Every pregnancy is unique. Throughout yours, you need to keep up with your prenatal visits and other pregnancy care, as doing so can help reduce your chances of having a high-risk pregnancy or help you stay well if you do have one.
At The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group, our skilled OB/GYNs provide superior care to women with low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. We assess the many factors that influence your health and the health of your baby during a pregnancy, so you can experience a safe labor and delivery.
In this blog, we explain five factors that can increase your risk of having a high-risk pregnancy.
There are several factors that can increase your risk of having a high-risk pregnancy. Even if your previous pregnancies were healthy, a number of conditions can lead to a high-risk pregnancy.
Here are five issues that can increase your risk for complications during pregnancy:
Women who become pregnant after age 35 may have a higher risk for pregnancy complications, such as gestational hypertension (high blood pressure), gestational diabetes, genetic disorders, and difficult labor.
Likewise, the chances for pregnancy complications can increase for mothers who are young (adolescents and teens). Young mothers may be more likely to have early labor, gestational hypertension, and anemia.
Pregnant women who have existing health conditions can be at increased risk for pregnancy complications. Some chronic conditions that can negatively affect pregnancy include:
Women with certain gynecological conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may have an increased risk for pregnancy loss in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy or require a Cesarean section during delivery.
Women who drink or use tobacco during pregnancy increase their chances of suffering health problems that could put their baby at risk.
Common complications from drinking or drug use during pregnancy include sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), developmental disabilities, and certain birth defects.
Being overweight or obese can also increase your risk of having a difficult birth and increase your child’s risk for health complications.
Carrying twins, triplets, or other multiples can increase your risk for preterm birth or the need for a Cesarean section.
Factors that might increase your chances of having multiples include family history, giving birth after age 30, and using fertility drugs.
If you have a personal history of pregnancy complications, your next pregnancy may be considered high-risk.
Previous pregnancy complications can include recurrent miscarriages, premature delivery, and placental detachment.
The goal of the high-risk pregnancy services available at The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group is to support both you and your baby’s health throughout all phases of the pregnancy.
In addition to comprehensive medical exams and fetal monitoring, we give expectant mothers the resources they need to stay healthy and active.
Our providers can recommend diet changes, exercises, and other lifestyle changes that can help you stay healthy. We can also prescribe prenatal vitamins and other supplements to help your baby grow strong.
Furthermore, we can address any emotional issues that may come up due to pregnancy challenges, so you can be physically and mentally prepared for labor, delivery, and your postpartum life.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy and want care, or if you want to see if you might have a high-risk pregnancy, book an appointment online or over the phone with The Guirguis Obstetrics & Gynecology Group today.
