Comprehensive Normal And High Risk Pregnancy Care Specialist

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy involves a life or health threat to either the mother or the fetus. Early and regular prenatal care is recommended for most women, to encourage a healthy pregnancy and delivery process. However, some women face risks regardless of abiding by these processes.

What are risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy?

For a variety of reasons, some women do face risks for complications, despite early prenatal care. Thus, expect your doctors at Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center to ask you to detail your psychosocial, medical, obstetrical, and family history at your first prenatal visit. Risk factors for a high-risk include, but are not limited to:

Existing health conditions

These include high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, obesity, Hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDS, etc. These traits can either put you at risk for complications or be passed on to your infant.

Age

Pregnant teens are prone to developing low-birth-weight babies, high blood pressure, and preterm birth. They also tend to go into labor earlier than more mature women. Women over 35 who are experiencing their first pregnancy, also risk having a cesarean section, delivery complications, prolonged labor, labor that doesn’t progress, or an infant with a genetic disorder.

Lifestyle factors

These include alcohol use and cigarette use. Lifestyle factors can put your fetus at risk for health complications.

Conditions of pregnancy

Certain pregnancy conditions put women at a higher risk for complications than a normal pregnancy experience. Some instances include multiple gestations (being pregnant with more than one child (ex. Twins, triplets), gestational diabetes, placenta previa, history of preterm birth, and preeclampsia and eclampsia.

Receiving care is crucial for women facing high-risk pregnancies. It’ll ensure the healthiest pregnancy experience possible to foster carrying the infant or infants to term.

Can a high-risk pregnancy be prevented?

Although certain health and genetic conditions make it impossible to prevent a high-risk pregnancy if you’re prone, you can take measures to lower the risk. The physicians at Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center provide preconception counseling which is a consultation prior to getting pregnant. Staying healthy through diet and exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol, can help minimize risks, in addition to taking certain steps during your pregnancy such as the following:

• Taking folic acid (a type of vitamin B) every day before and during pregnancy
• Getting proper immunizations
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Starting prenatal care early during your pregnancy
• Genetic carrier screening

What does normal pregnancy care involve?

Seeking prenatal care from your OB/GYN should be a part of every pregnant woman’s routine. Pregnancy changes your body, your emotions, and your life, placing physical and emotional stress on your body. Your doctor will support you through one of the major bodily changes of your life.

When should I start seeking prenatal care?

Your first prenatal appointment should typically be about eight to ten weeks into your pregnancy. Your OB/GYN provider will then determine your following appointments based on your progress and needs.