Are You Considered High-Risk for Pregnancy?

There are certain factors that can put you at higher risk for complications when you are pregnant. This does not necessarily mean you should not get pregnant or cannot have a healthy pregnancy, but it can mean taking extra care and precautions. If you are planning on trying to conceive, it is important to know if you have any factors that may put your pregnancy at higher risk. Here are some of the common high-risk factors for pregnancy.

  • Health conditions. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, are overweight or PCOS, you may be at higher risk for pregnancy. Your condition will need to be carefully monitored by your regular physician and OB/GYN while pregnant.
  • Age. Both younger and older expectant mothers can be at risk for some complications during pregnancy. Teen pregnancies can put the mother at a higher risk of high blood pressure, anemia and early delivery. First-time mothers over 35 have higher risk of complications during delivery, need for a cesarean, prolonged labor and children born with Down syndrome.
  • Your lifestyle choices could put you at higher risk during pregnancy. Alcohol, drug and tobacco smoking use can all be detrimental to the fetus and put the child at risk for many health problems.
  • Pregnancy condition. Even if you are healthy before you become pregnant, the pregnancy itself can put you at high risk. Expectant mothers of multiple babies (twins, triplets, etc.) can be at higher risk. Other high-risk pregnancy conditions include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and eclampsia.

It is important to have an OB/GYN that specializes in high risk obstetrics if you have any of these factors before or during your pregnancy. With an experienced OB/GYN on your side, even a high-risk pregnancy can go smoothly for both you and your child.

Posted on behalf of
Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.
699 Church Street #220
Marietta, GA 30060
(770) 422-8505

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