High-risk pregnancy. It’s a term that can be hard to hear when you’re expecting, but one that actually can apply to a lot of pregnant people. We’re here to help break down everything you need to know about high-risk pregnancies: what it means, who is considered “high-risk,” and how your medical care might differ throughout your pregnancy.
What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
The term “high-risk pregnancy” means that in order for you and baby to have the healthiest pregnancy and delivery possible, you might need additional medical care throughout your pregnancy. Pregnancies that are considered high risk can include a wide range of conditions, from those that are potentially minor, the whole way up to severe health risks for the pregnant person and/or their baby.
It's important to know that a high-risk classification doesn’t mean your pregnancy will be any more or less challenging than a pregnancy that’s considered low risk,” says Dr. Philip Bayliss, MD, at LG Health Physicians Maternal Fetal Medicine. “What it does mean, however, is that your care team will keep a much closer eye on how your baby and pregnancy progresses to ensure we’re giving you and your little one the correct care.”
What Conditions Are Considered High Risk?
While there are a lot of different factors that could cause your pregnancy to be flagged as high risk, here are some of the preexisting conditions that can cause a high-risk classification early in your pregnancy:
- Problems with a previous pregnancy:
- Early birth
- Preeclampsia
- Fetal loss
- Birth defects
- Genetic abnormalities in the baby
- Health conditions prior to pregnancy
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- Kidney disease
- HIV
- Significant depression or other mental health conditions
- Maternal age
- Over 35 years
- Under 18 years
- Personal or family history of birth defects
Even women who do not fall into the categories above and are considered “healthy” could develop complications during pregnancy that could lead to a high-risk classification. Examples of this include but are not limited to:
- The discovery of a potential birth defect or anomaly
- Gestational diabetes diagnosis
- Growth problems with baby
- Those carrying twins, triplets or more
- Development of high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) or other conditions during pregnancy
What Can You Expect Medically from a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Because your pregnancy needs extra attention, you will have some differences from routine pregnancy care. You can expect more frequent visits with your provider, closer monitoring and testing, and may also be referred to a Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist rather than your primary care provider or OBGYN.
A Maternal Fetal medicine specialist, or perinatologist, has received special training in how to assess and care for those with high-risk pregnancies.
“Maternal Fetal Medicine doctors are the best caregivers to have on your team during a high-risk pregnancy,” says Dr. Bayliss. “We’re highly trained to give you the best specialized care and monitoring possible to keep you and your baby healthy throughout pregnancy and delivery.”
Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists work to coordinate both your and baby’s care throughout pregnancy and delivery, and are well-versed in keeping clear lines of communication with you and your partner. These specialists are also wonderful resources for recommendations on how to maintain your best health throughout pregnancy.
You can also expect some differences during labor and delivery. The hospital is the safest place for the delivery of a high-risk pregnancy (rather than a home birth or birth center). Hospitals have the proper equipment and personnel to ensure you and baby are cared for correctly during and immediately following labor and delivery.
Because some high-risk pregnancies also carry a risk if delivery occurs vaginally, your provider might recommend a C-section. As you and your care team prepare your birth plan toward the end of your pregnancy, they will help you understand any potential risks and what to expect during your delivery.
What Can You Expect Emotionally from a High-Risk Pregnancy?
It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions during any pregnancy, let alone if your pregnancy is considered high risk. Feeling excited about your pregnancy, nervous about your health and that of your little one, and worried if you’re doing the best things for your baby are all valid feelings. In order to help you navigate all of these conflicting emotions, ask your provider for information and resources about your condition, build a support network that you can lean on, and speak with other moms who have had similar experiences. Sometimes just talking about how you’re feeling can help you feel like a weight is lifted off of your shoulders.
Remember, while there is always the possibility of an issue or complication in any pregnancy, being high risk doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t have a healthy baby. Your care team is in your corner to make sure—at all stages of your pregnancy and delivery—you and your little one are receiving the best care possible.