Patient education: High-risk pregnancy (The Basics)

What is high-risk pregnancy? — 

This is when pregnancy causes increased risks to the health of the pregnant person, their fetus, or both. The exact risks depend on the situation, but can range from minor to serious. They can include problems during pregnancy or labor, or after birth.

Having a high-risk pregnancy does not mean there will definitely be problems. But you will get extra monitoring in case.

Is my pregnancy high risk? — 

Your doctor or midwife will tell you.

Your pregnancy might be high risk if you:

●Are older than 35 years – As you get older, your risk for certain problems related to pregnancy increases.

●Are pregnant with "multiples," such as twins or triplets

●Had certain health conditions before getting pregnant – Many different conditions can affect pregnancy. Examples include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, certain infections, and autoimmune disorders. Past medical treatments or surgeries can also affect your risk of problems during pregnancy.

●Develop a health problem during pregnancy – Examples include diabetes and preeclampsia (which causes high blood pressure and other problems). Other things that can increase risk include a fetus that is smaller or larger than expected, and problems with the placenta or the fluid around the fetus.

●Had problems during pregnancy, labor, or birth in the past

●Smoke, use drugs, or drink alcohol during pregnancy

What special care will I need during pregnancy? — 

Depending on your situation, you might be referred to a "maternal-fetal medicine" doctor. This is a specialist who takes care of people with high-risk pregnancies.

If you had a health condition before, and see other doctors or specialists for this, they will also help care for you during pregnancy.

You will probably have frequent appointments throughout pregnancy. At each visit, the doctors will ask about your symptoms and how you are feeling. They will also do regular tests to check your and your baby's health. As you get closer to giving birth, they will talk to you about your options and what to expect.

What else can I do? — 

If you have a health condition, it's important to make sure it is well managed before and during pregnancy. Go to all your medical appointments, and follow your doctor's or nurse's instructions.

There are also things everyone who is pregnant should do, whether or not they are at high risk. For example, it's important to:

●Take a "prenatal" multivitamin that has folic acid.

●Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs. Talk to your doctor about what medicines are safe to take.

●Try to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You should also:

•Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat. Avoid fish that can have high levels of mercury, such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish.

•Limit caffeine to no more than 1 or 2 cups of coffee each day.

•Avoid germs in your food that could make you sick. Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing or touching food. Wash or peel fruits and vegetables before eating them. Avoid deli meats and "unpasteurized" milk or cheese.

●Try to keep a healthy body weight.

It can be stressful knowing your pregnancy is high risk. If you are very worried or struggling to cope, talk to your doctor or nurse. They can help you.

More on this topic

Patient education: How to plan and prepare for a healthy pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Prenatal care (The Basics)
Patient education: Nutrition before and during pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Taking medicines during pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Alcohol and drug use in pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Pregnancy as you get older (The Basics)
Patient education: Having twins (The Basics)
Patient education: Gestational diabetes (The Basics)
Patient education: Preeclampsia (The Basics)
Patient education: When your baby is measuring small during pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: When your baby is measuring large during pregnancy (The Basics)
Patient education: Coping with worry and stress (The Basics)

Patient education: Gestational diabetes (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Preeclampsia (Beyond the Basics)