When a pregnancy is high risk, the health or life of the mother and the baby may be in jeopardy.
“If a high-risk pregnancy is not managed appropriately, it can result in a wide variety of outcomes,” says Dr. Tiffany Bersani, OBGYN at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. “Most of these outcomes result in preterm delivery.”
High-Risk Pregnancy Risk Factors
A variety of conditions can make a woman’s pregnancy high risk. These include:
- Advanced maternal age (over age 35)
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Being pregnant with more than one baby
- Certain medications
- Diabetes
- Elevated blood pressure
- Gestational diabetes
- Obesity
In addition, use of assisted reproductive technology for infertility treatment, the outcome of your last pregnancy and whether you have had a cesarean section can make your pregnancy high risk.
Read More: Your Pregnancy Journey: Rules of the Road
What You Can Do
If your doctor informs you that you have a high-risk pregnancy, you can take steps to protect your health and the health of your baby. You may have additional doctor’s appointments, undergo additional screenings or see a specialist. Depending on your condition, your doctor may advise you to be physically active and or limit activity. If you are planning to become pregnant, you may be advised to quit smoking and stay up to date with preventive care. Seeing your OB-GYN regularly and taking folic acid supplements is also advised.
Read More: Pregnancy After 35
“It is always important to take care of your health and live the best lifestyle you can,” Dr. Bersani says. “If you do become pregnant, seek care from an obstetrician who feels comfortable treating any preexisting conditions you might have. And always ask questions. It is important that you are well-informed about the treatment plan and understand the reasoning behind it.”
The team at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists is trained to provide the highest quality of care to manage high-risk pregnancies. Our specialists also collaborate with maternal/fetal medicine physicians at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Schedule an appointment today by calling 843-522-7820.