Preparing for the birth of a child can be one of the most amazing moments of your life. And yet learning that your pregnancy is considered “high-risk” can feel overwhelming. Dr. Paula Smith of Baylor Scott & White offers insight on Navigating a High-Risk Pregnancy.
You might be worried about what this high-risk pregnancy means for you and your baby. But remember—a high-risk pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience problems. It simply means you need some extra care and attention during this special time.
Here are some practical steps you can take. With the right information and support, you can navigate this journey with confidence.
What Makes a Pregnancy High Risk?
When your doctor classifies your pregnancy as “high-risk,” they’re simply saying that you or your baby might need special monitoring or care during your pregnancy. This label helps your healthcare team provide the best possible care for your specific situation.
A high-risk pregnancy means you’ll likely have more prenatal visits, additional tests and possibly more ultrasounds than in a typical pregnancy. It might be helpful to think of it as “VIP treatment”—a little extra attention to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Is There a High-Risk Pregnancy Age?
Age is one of the most common factors that can place you in a high-risk category. Generally, pregnancies in women under 17 or over 35 are considered higher risk. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a perfectly healthy pregnancy at these ages—thousands of women do every year.
If you’re over 35, you might even hear the term “advanced maternal age” or “geriatric pregnancy” (an outdated term many doctors are moving away from). While the risk of certain complications does increase with age, many women in their late 30s and 40s have healthy pregnancies and babies.
Why You Might be Considered High-Risk for Pregnancy
Age is just one factor for high-risk pregnancies. Other issues might be considered by your doctor. However, it is important to note that having one or more of these doesn’t guarantee you’ll have any problems. It just means you might have to pay a little more attention during your pregnancy:
- Pre-existing Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or autoimmune disorders
- Pregnancy Complications: Gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or problems with the placenta
- Multiple Babies: Carrying twins, triplets or more
- Previous Pregnancy Issues: If you’ve had complications in earlier pregnancies
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol use or substance abuse
Building Your High-Risk Pregnancy Support Team
One of the most important steps in managing a high-risk pregnancy is working with the right healthcare team. You might need to see maternal-fetal medicine specialists (also called perinatologists) who specialize in high-risk pregnancies.
Your Team Might Include:
- Your regular OBGYN
- Maternal-fetal medicine specialists
- Various medical specialists depending on your specific condition
- Nurses and/or midwives
- Mental health professionals
Don’t skip your prenatal appointments, even if you’re feeling great. These regular check-ups help catch any potential issues early. Come prepared with questions and concerns— your healthcare team is there to support you.
Remember that “high-risk” is a medical term to ensure you get the best care—it doesn’t define your pregnancy experience or predict problems.
This journey might have extra challenges, but it also offers extra opportunities to connect with your healthcare providers, learn about your body and prepare for parenthood. You are stronger than you know, and you’re already showing what a great parent you’ll be by taking good care of yourself and your baby.
Ready to build your specialized pregnancy care team? Schedule an appointment today with an OBGYN near you.
About the Author: Paula Smith, DO | Pregnancy
Dr. Paula Smith is a physician specializing in maternal fetal medicine on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Hillcrest. She is also the hospital’s maternity medicine director.
