What is a high-risk pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy that has complications that put the baby or the mother's life at risk, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Diabetes, including gestational diabetes
- Underlying disease
- Unusually young or old maternal age
- Multiples pregnancy
- Fetal genetic abnormality
Dr. Burt has helped many women through high-risk pregnancies and is ready to guide you through the days ahead.
What factors put a woman at risk of having a high-risk pregnancy?
While some high-risk pregnancies, like pregnancy with multiples, may not have an underlying cause, certain factors do put a woman at higher risk for pregnancy complications. Among these are:
- Smoking or alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Poor diet
- Underlying maternal health conditions
- Having the first pregnancy after age 35
- Being a teenage mother
- History of miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy
- Use of fertility treatments
If you have one or more of these risk factors, consider talking to Dr. Burt before you conceive or as soon as you find out you're pregnant. The sooner you can start monitoring for complications, the less risk to your baby and yourself during pregnancy.
What kind of monitoring is done during a high-risk pregnancy?
Pregnant women who are identified as high risk will need more frequent monitoring to help reduce the risk of complications. Additional monitoring may include:
- More frequent examinations
- More frequent ultrasound scans
- Non-stress tests
- Higher level ultrasound scans
Because Dr. Burt has a full-service practice, most of these tests and scans can be done in-house.
How can a woman reduce her risk during pregnancy?
Women can do a lot to best ensure a healthy pregnancy and baby. Chief among these is following your OB/GYN’s instructions and completing all required testing. Also, monitor how you feel, keeping track of the baby's movements, and take any necessary medication.
