High-risk pregnancy
For most women, pregnancy follows a routine course of progress. However, some women may develop medical difficulties related to their health or the health of their baby. These women experience what is called a high-risk pregnancy. A pregnancy is considered high-risk when there are possible complications that could affect the mother, the baby or both. These complications can be serious and require special care to ensure the best possible outcome.
While some problems are unavoidable, the Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists at Driscoll Children’s Hospital — obstetricians with special training and board certification in high-risk pregnancy care — work to minimize complications and to achieve the healthiest pregnancy possible. Driscoll’s team of doctors, nurses and support staff coordinates all aspects of pregnancy care from consultation to diagnosis and long-term follow-up care for mothers and their babies.
Every family looks forward to a healthy pregnancy and to the birth of a healthy newborn. And, for the vast majority of women, pregnancy follows a fairly routine course. However, for some women there may be unexpected difficulties and challenges along the way with a high-risk pregnancy.
"Having a high-risk pregnancy means that a woman has a greater chance of complications. This can be due to conditions in her pregnancy, her own medical status, fetal problems or lifestyle or external factors," says Maternal Fetal Specialist Ryan Loftin, MD. "Women are often referred to us before pregnancy if they're being treated for medical problems or if they have a family history of birth defects or genetic problems. During pregnancy, we see expectant mothers who have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, or if a fetal birth defect is suspected."
Many times, complications are unexpected and may occur without warning. Other times, there are certain risk factors that make problems more likely.
While many complications are unavoidable, with the help of Driscoll specialists, you can minimize your risks and work toward the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Fortunately, advances in technology have helped improve the care of both mothers and unborn babies. Being as healthy as possible before becoming pregnant and getting early and regular prenatal care during pregnancy are important ways to take the best care of yourself and your developing baby.