High-Risk Pregnancy OB/GYN in NYC
Most pregnancies begin as low-risk pregnancies, with around 80% continuing without any complications. However, the frequency of high-risk pregnancies is increasing.
Our gynecologists at Maiden Lane Medical offer comprehensive and personalized prenatal care for people with high-risk pregnancies at our offices located throughout NYC. Contact us to book your visit today.
Topic at a Glance
- A high-risk pregnancy is one in which certain health factors increase the possibility of complications.
- Common risk factors include advanced maternal age and certain health and genetic conditions.
- Those at risk should receive extra prenatal care, testing, and monitoring to help identify and manage potential complications early.
- Most people with high-risk pregnancies can have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.
What is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy might sound frightening, but most of these pregnancies progress without incident. Clinically, they occur when the mother or fetus has certain health conditions that could cause complications. In most cases, this simply means that your OB/GYN monitors your pregnancy more closely, and you may have more prenatal tests.
Advanced maternal age (over 35) and obesity are two of the most common reasons that make a pregnancy high-risk.
Pregnancy may also be considered high-risk if the mother has one of the following medical conditions:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Autoimmune disease
- Thyroid disorder
- A tobacco habit
- Drug or alcohol problem
Multiple pregnancies, when mothers are expecting two or more babies, also have an increased risk of complications or if she has a personal or family history of genetic problems. Some fetal conditions also raise the risk of pregnancy complications.
If you had a high-risk pregnancy in the past, your future pregnancies may also be high-risk.
High-Risk Pregnancy
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What Are the Potential Complications of a High-Risk Pregnancy?
Your fetal medicine specialists will work with you to lower your risk of complications during pregnancy and delivery.
Some of the potential complications that can occur during pregnancy include the following:
- Preeclampsia
- Eclampsia
- Preterm labor
- Excessive bleeding during labor and delivery, or after birth
- Low or high birth weight
- Birth defects
- Problems with your baby’s brain development
- Miscarriage (Pregnancy loss)
- Stillbirth
- Vasa Previa
How is a High-Risk Pregnancy Diagnosed?
Routine health screenings and prenatal testing are critical parts of prenatal health care. During your prenatal checkups and tests, your OB/GYN checks for any signs of potential complications.
For example, your OB/GYN monitors your weight and blood pressure at every appointment. You will also have a glucose test to check your blood sugar levels and screen for gestational diabetes.
Additionally, there are ultrasounds to monitor your baby’s development, which allow your doctor to check for any physical developmental issues. Depending on the results of your standard prenatal tests and medical history, your OB/GYN may recommend additional blood tests or amniocentesis (amniotic fluid test) to screen for genetic conditions.
What Kind of Fetal Medicine Care Will I Receive for a High-Risk Pregnancy?
The Maiden Lane Medical team offers a comprehensive pregnancy program and compassionate care.
Typically, you’ll require close monitoring through more frequent prenatal appointments. Your OB/GYN may order additional ultrasounds, blood tests, and other screening options to closely monitor your and your baby’s health.
Your OB/GYN may also recommend lifestyle adjustments or medications to manage your health and protect your developing baby.
What Should I Expect During Labor and Delivery for a High-Risk Pregnancy?
As mentioned, high-risk pregnancies can result in preterm delivery, and in some cases, your OB/GYN will perform a cesarean delivery instead of monitoring a vaginal birth. You should talk to your OB/GYN about your specific needs and what to expect during labor and delivery, including information regarding Braxton Hicks contractions. They can give you personalized advice and information based on your needs.
How Can I Protect My Baby During a High-Risk Pregnancy?
The best thing you can do is work with a trusted OB/GYN and follow their instructions. Every pregnancy is unique, and your doctor can provide personalized medical advice and treatment. They will address any health problems, reduce your pregnancy risks, and protect your baby’s health and development.
Additionally, you should maintain a healthy diet, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and only use medications approved by your doctor. It’s also helpful to stay active.
4 Pre-Existing Conditions That Might Affect Your Pregnancy
High-Risk OB/GYN Specialists in Manhattan, NY
Our team at Maiden Lane Medical offers expert fetal medicine to pregnant women, helping them remain healthy during gestation, through labor and delivery, and after the baby is born.
Call one of our convenient locations in New York today or book your appointment online to learn more about the best ways to keep your baby safe throughout your pregnancy.
Women's Health Specialists
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FAQs About High-Risk Pregnancies
What makes a pregnancy high-risk?
A pregnancy may be considered high-risk when the mother, baby, or pregnancy has factors that increase the chance of complications during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
Can a high-risk pregnancy result in a healthy baby?
Yes. Many high-risk pregnancies result in healthy outcomes when they are closely monitored and managed by experienced OB/GYNs and maternal-fetal medicine specialists.
What additional tests may be needed during a high-risk pregnancy?
Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend extra ultrasounds, blood tests, genetic screening, amniocentesis, or fetal monitoring to track your baby’s development and health.
How often will I need prenatal appointments during a high-risk pregnancy?
Most people with high-risk pregnancies require more frequent prenatal visits so their healthcare team can monitor for complications and provide timely treatment if needed.
Can lifestyle changes help reduce pregnancy complications?
Yes. Following your doctor’s recommendations, maintaining a healthy diet, staying active when appropriate, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can help support a healthier pregnancy.
If you’re concerned about fibroids or have symptoms that could be caused by these benign growths, call our office or schedule a consultation online for accurate diagnosis and personalized state-of-the-art treatment.
Schedule an appointment with Maiden Lane Medical today!
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Call us today to make an appointment online for expert diagnosis and personalized treatment!