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What Constitutes a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Around 6% to 8% of pregnancies in the United States are considered high-risk. When you hear the term “high-risk pregnancy,” it sounds alarming, but in many cases, it simply means we need to watch your pregnancy more closely to help protect your health and your baby’s health.
At Dunwoody OBGYN in Dunwoody, Georgia, Dr. Alvin Sermons and Dr. Lisa Price, know that every pregnancy is different. Some people move through pregnancy with very few issues, while others need extra monitoring, more frequent visits, or specialized care.
A high-risk pregnancy doesn’t always mean something will go wrong. It means certain factors raise the chance of complications, so we take a more careful approach.
Why we use the term high-risk pregnancy
A high-risk pregnancy is one where the pregnant person, the baby, or both face a greater chance of health problems before, during, or after birth. These risks may exist before pregnancy begins or develop as the pregnancy progresses.
We use the term because it helps guide the care we offer pregnant women. If we know you are at higher risk of certain complications, we can monitor your symptoms, order the right tests, and intervene early if concerns arise.
Why some pregnancies are known as high-risk
Several factors can raise your level of risk during pregnancy. Some relate to your health history, while others involve the pregnancy itself. Here are the main ones:
Expectant mom’s age
Pregnancy at age 35 or older may carry a higher risk of conditions such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and chromosomal concerns. Very young pregnancies may also bring added risks.
Medical history
A history of pregnancy complications can place you in a higher-risk group. For example, if you’ve had preeclampsia, preterm labor, miscarriage, stillbirth, or a previous cesarean section, we’ll likely want to monitor your current pregnancy more closely.
Other conditions that can affect pregnancy and require closer care include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Kidney disease
- Obesity
- Heart disease
Sometimes the pregnancy itself increases the risk. You may be carrying twins or triplets, develop gestational diabetes, or show signs of placenta problems, fetal growth issues, or preterm labor. In other cases, we may identify a concern during an ultrasound or prenatal screening.
The aim isn’t to scare you, but to stay ahead of potential issues and support you with the right care at the right time. Most women with high-risk pregnancies go on to have successful pregnancies and healthy babies.
The complications we’re watching for
The specific complications we’re looking for depend on your situation, but some of the most common concerns include:
- High blood pressure
- Preeclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
- Preterm birth
- Low birth weight
- Placental problems
- Fetal growth restriction
We may also watch for signs that your body needs more support during pregnancy or delivery. In some cases, we’ll recommend additional ultrasounds, lab work, or fetal monitoring. We may also coordinate care with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist if your pregnancy requires additional expertise.
Symptoms that could indicate a problem during pregnancy
Some symptoms during pregnancy deserve prompt attention, especially if you already fall into a high-risk category. These include:
- Severe headaches
- Vision changes
- Heavy bleeding
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling that comes on suddenly
- Decreased fetal movement
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
Even if a symptom seems minor, trust your instincts. If something feels off, reach out. We’d always rather hear from you and help you sort it out than have you sit at home worrying.
The care high-risk pregnancies need
We start with a clear picture of your health, your pregnancy, and your concerns. From there, we build a care plan that fits your needs.
That plan may include:
- Additional prenatal visits
- More frequent blood pressure checks
- Regular blood sugar monitoring
- Detailed ultrasounds
- Non-stress tests
We also talk with you about nutrition, activity, medications, warning signs, and delivery planning.
Just as important, we make space for your questions. High-risk pregnancy care isn’t only about tests and numbers. It’s also about helping you feel informed, supported, and involved in every aspect of your care.
When should I talk with an OB/GYN about pregnancy?
You should visit with us at Dunwoody OBGYN as early as possible, ideally before pregnancy or soon after you find out you’re expecting. Early care gives us more time to identify risks, manage existing health conditions, and help you plan for a safer pregnancy.
We’re here to guide you, so if you have questions about your pregnancy or think you may need closer monitoring, schedule an appointment with our team today. Call Dunwoody OBGYN to arrange a discussion with our board-certified obstetricians or schedule a consultation by completing the online form.
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