What Does High-Risk Pregnancy Mean?

Pregnancy is supposed to be a joyful time in a woman’s life, but it comes with a lot of changes and, surprisingly, a lot of risks. Some women have a high-risk pregnancy, which simply means they have an increased chance of complications during gestation or birth.

A high-risk pregnancy can feel daunting, but it doesn’t always mean problems for you or your baby. The Artemis OB/GYN team offers compassionate support. 

Dr. Nicola Pemberton is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist who provides prenatal care and ultrasound evaluations for high-risk pregnancies.

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

All pregnancies have risks, but a high risk means a greater chance of complications for you or your baby. For example, women under 17 or older than 35 have higher risks.

The main difference with a high-risk pregnancy is the need for extra care and closer monitoring. More appointments, blood work, and ultrasounds help keep you and your baby healthy.

Various aspects increase the chances of a high-risk pregnancy, and they include:

• Smoking
• Drug or alcohol use
• Obesity
• Preexisting medical problems
• Carrying twins, triplets, or multiples
• Fetal chromosomal problems
• Infections

Women with infertility who use fertility medications or assisted reproduction via IUI or IVF also have a higher risk of complications.

Complications of a high-risk pregnancy

High-risk doesn’t mean you or your baby will be unhealthy, but knowing possible risks and complications is important.

Complications of a high-risk pregnancy range from mild to severe for you and the baby. Prevalent complications you should be aware of include the following:

• Preeclampsia or eclampsia
• Preterm labor or birth
• Cesarean section delivery
• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Low birth weight
• NICU stay for the baby
• ICU stay for you after birth
• Excessive bleeding

Ask us questions and learn about high-risk pregnancy. With monitoring and a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce the risk of complications for you and your baby.

Can I reduce the risk of complications?

Becoming healthy and knowing your risks before pregnancy helps, but it isn’t always possible. The best ways to avoid a high-risk pregnancy are maintaining a healthy diet and weight, and quitting smoking or drinking before trying to conceive.

Get your chronic health issues under control before pregnancy. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions, manage them with medications and lifestyle changes.

You can’t always prevent a high-risk pregnancy, especially because age is a significant risk factor. For example, being under 17 or over 35 increases pregnancy risks, so extra precautions are needed.

If you’re at high risk, we simply monitor you more closely to ensure the baby is growing and developing properly and that you’re staying healthy throughout each trimester.

To schedule a prenatal evaluation, call or message our Union, New Jersey, office, or use our online booking feature.