High Risk Pregnancy
High-risk Obstetrics is the phrase most often used to think of the obstetrics sub-specialty of maternal-fetal medicine. Both emphasize a focus upon pregnancy related problems, which may include maternal problems, or fetal problems, or both.
For example, pre-existing maternal conditions that may affect or be affected by pregnancy may include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes, new or long-standing
- Underweight or overweight
- Asthma
- Advanced maternal age
- Systemic illnesses such as heart disease, kidney disease, blood abnormalities, or thyroid disease
Maternal problems can be a result of pregnancy. Here are some examples:
- Pre-eclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH)
- Diabetes in pregnancy
- Bleeding or hemorrhage from the placenta
The fetus is often affected by these or other maternal problems in pregnancy. The fetus might need ongoing medical care during pregnancy in some of these examples:
- Twins, triplets or other multiples
- Poor growth or excessive growth
- Preterm labor
- Fetal malformations such as heart problems or spina bifida
- Placental problems, such as previa, or abruption with bleeding
- Breech or other than head presenting
We can't examine the fetus directly, but we can investigate fetal health indirectly. We can use ultrasound to:
- Examine fetal anatomy
- Confirm the due date
- Count the number of fetuses
- Follow fetal growth throughout pregnancy
- Check amniotic fluid levels
- Check for healthy fetal activity as part of antepartum testing
Sometimes treatment of the mother or the fetus in pregnancy is needed to gain time for the fetus to survive until delivery. Often this can require hospitalization, to the frustration of all concerned. When fetuses are in great danger, we always work with the neonatologists so you can understand how the baby will be cared for after delivery.
Our goal for your pregnancy is to help your baby be as healthy as possible at delivery, and for you to be involved in your baby's care, before and after birth.
