High-Risk Pregnancy (Maternal Fetal Medicine)
High-risk pregnancies demand knowledgeable care due to potential complications. Whatever the cause, informed guidance is key. Start your journey confidently with Nuvance Health.
Book Now with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine SpecialistWhat is a High-risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy refers to a situation where the mother or the baby faces an elevated risk for complications either during the pregnancy or post birth. This can be due to various reasons, ranging from the mother's health conditions to the baby's health or even the circumstances of conception.
Specialist doctors known as Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) physicians or high-risk obstetricians, are trained to handle and care for these types of pregnancies.
What are the symptoms of a high-risk pregnancy?
- Behavioral Health Concerns: Issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder can be indicators.
- Concerns about Baby’s Growth: If there are worries about the baby’s growth or condition, it might be an indicator of a high-risk situation.
Causes and treatment options for high-risk pregnancy
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Are there different causes for high-risk pregnancy?
High-risk pregnancies can arise from various situations, including:
- Complications in current pregnancy: This can include issues like preeclampsia, bleeding, infections, or preterm labor.
- Complications in a previous pregnancy: Past complications such as a miscarriage, preterm birth, preeclampsia, cesarean section, or stillbirth can make a subsequent pregnancy high-risk.
- Multiple gestations: Pregnancies involving twins, triplets or more can be classified as high-risk.
- Conception methods: A pregnancy resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be considered high-risk.
- Pre-existing medical conditions: Health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, epilepsy or lupus can lead to a high-risk pregnancy.
- Family history: A family history of genetic diseases, disabilities at birth or childhood conditions can also influence risk levels.
- Environmental or medication concerns: Concerns about environmental factors or exposure to certain medications can also play a role.
- Complications in current pregnancy: This can include issues like preeclampsia, bleeding, infections, or preterm labor.
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What are the treatment options for high-risk pregnancy?
When dealing with a high-risk pregnancy, the treatments and consultations are tailored to the specific situation. Here are some general treatment guidelines:
- Coordinated care: A maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist complements, but doesn't replace, the primary obstetrician (OB). They collaborate with the OB and other specialists for comprehensive care.
- Consultations before pregnancy: For those with chronic health conditions or a history of pregnancy complications, preconception consultations with an MFM specialist can be beneficial. This helps in planning and ensuring the healthiest possible pregnancy.
- Routine care and advanced procedures: Depending on the situation, the mother might be subjected to routine care or advanced procedures. This includes level 2 ultrasound exams, amniocentesis, chorionic villus screening (CVS) and other necessary procedures.
- Post delivery care: Following delivery, the mother might need to consult both the obstetrician and the MFM specialist, especially if there were complications during the pregnancy. This ensures the well-being of both the mother and the baby and provides guidance for future pregnancies.
Why choose us?
Your trusted partner in High-risk pregnancy care.
Embarking on a high-risk pregnancy journey requires trust, precision and a personalized touch. At Nuvance Health®, we prioritize you, offering bespoke guidance every step of the way. Our maternal-fetal medicine specialists are committed to safeguarding the well-being of both you and your baby. Ready for a journey defined by understanding and in-depth knowledge? Let's embark on this path together.
