All new parents-to-be hope their biggest concerns are what to name their baby and what kind of car seat to buy. However, approximately 30,000 to 50,000 (or 6 to 8%) of women expecting in the United States each year must navigate a high-risk pregnancy and the changes in care associated with it.
Fortunately, just because a pregnancy is classified this way doesn't necessarily mean the mom-to-be or baby will have health problems. It is simply a designation to ensure they receive proper monitoring and medical care.
Our skilled board-certified physicians at Avery Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology provide compassionate care for women at various life stages, including when expecting a baby.
Using state-of-the-art technology, including the ability to perform advanced ultrasounds, we ensure the best possible care throughout a woman's pregnancy, regardless of whether it is low- or high-risk. With offices in Westport, Fairfield, and Norwalk, Connecticut, getting care has never been easier or more convenient.
A high-risk pregnancy carries increased health risks for the mom-to-be, the baby, or both. Doctors provide additional medical care to decrease the chances of a problem and, if one does occur, to hopefully reduce the seriousness of the issue.
Various reasons can result in a pregnancy being classified as high risk, including:
Women over the age of 35 and under 17 years old during their pregnancy typically get monitored more carefully.
Some health problems that a woman has before becoming pregnant may affect her pregnancy status. These can range from autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disease, mental health disorders, and more. Obesity is also considered a high-risk factor.
Other women become classified as high-risk due to conditions related to the pregnancy, such as the development of gestational diabetes or hypertension, preeclampsia or eclampsia, and issues with the placenta or amniotic fluid. Being pregnant with twins, triplets, or other multiples also requires extra monitoring.
Exactly how prenatal care changes for a high-risk pregnancy depends on the woman, her baby, and the specific issues they are facing.
Often this means more frequent appointments with the obstetrician, additional ultrasounds, and closer monitoring of the baby. It may also include tracking blood pressure at home.
Depending on the situation, other medical specialists may be involved. We carefully monitor you when you're taking medications for pre-existing conditions. In some cases, we may consult a maternal-fetal medicine specialist for guidance at this stage.
It is common for women with a high-risk pregnancy to deliver before 39 weeks of gestation, which may involve inducing labor to have additional control over the situation.
Regardless of whether a pregnancy is high- or low-risk, we partner with all our expecting patients to provide the best care possible using cutting-edge technology and personalized care to make your journey as safe and smooth as possible.
Click to book an appointment or call the Westport office at 203-227-5125, the Fairfield office at 203-335-9633, or the Norwalk office at 203-840-1507 today.
