What Constitutes a High-Risk Pregnancy?

All pregnancies are suspenseful, and often stressful. No matter the risk level associated with your pregnancy, you need expert OB/GYN attention and care. But, if your pregnancy could be defined as high risk, you could find yourself dealing with additional stressors, and in need of more specialized medical support.

Contact Dr. Mary Grace Bridges at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin for the pregnancy support you need, including care during high-risk pregnancy. Dr. Bridges provides expert pregnancy management for new and existing patients around Odessa and Midland, Texas. 

If your pregnancy could be high risk, the sooner you get the information you need, the better!

Defining high-risk pregnancy

Pregnancy is often a time of joy mixed with uncertainty. Certain factors put some pregnancies at higher risk than others. If your pregnancy is high risk, the health or life of the expectant mom and baby are threatened.

Your pregnancy might clearly fall into the high-risk category from the beginning. Or, your pregnancy could become high risk as it progresses.

Existing health conditions in the mother can cause a pregnancy to be classified as high risk. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, are HIV-positive, or are obese, your pregnancy may be high risk from the beginning. Developing health conditions in your baby can also make your pregnancy high risk.

Your pregnancy is high risk if you’re carrying multiples, including twins, with an increased likelihood of preeclampsia, premature labor, and preterm birth.

Maternal age also makes a difference. Pregnancies are high risk in women aged 35 and older, and in young women in their teens, due to increased likelihood of complications, including preeclampsia and gestational high blood pressure.

Questions and concerns about high-risk pregnancy

Dr. Bridges offers the specialized obstetrical care you need to come through a high-risk pregnancy with the best possible outcomes for you and your baby. She uses ultrasound and blood testing, as well as your health history and family health history to determine the risk level of your pregnancy.

The right prenatal care is often key for high-risk pregnancy. Prenatal care includes health screenings, regular checkups, and the medical attention you need to ensure that you and your baby remain healthy during pregnancy. And, if relevant, Dr. Bridges may also suggest genetic testing.

When you come in for a prenatal visit, your provider checks on your blood pressure, weight, and belly measurements, and records your baby’s heart rate. Some visits might also include tests like urine tests, blood tests, and ultrasounds.

Dr. Bridges can let you know the right schedule of appointments and tests for the risk level of your pregnancy. If your pregnancy is high risk, you’ll need to plan on more frequent visits and checkups. Dr. Bridges also provides delivery support, partnering with you through the entire course of your pregnancy and labor.

For the experienced, understanding care you need to keep you and your baby safe during a high-risk pregnancy, get in touch with Dr. Bridges at Women’s Health Partners of the Permian Basin as soon as possible.

Schedule your appointment by calling now, or book with our easy-to-use online tool.