High Risk Pregnancy – Handle With Care

With multiple news agencies reporting singer, Janet Jackson’s high risk pregnancy and confinement to bed rest, the spotlight has once again been placed on the importance of preconception health management as well as the necessity for this specialized prenatal care for a safe and healthy pregnancy. A high risk pregnancy means that you and/or your baby have an increased chance of developing health problems during pregnancy, labor and/or birth.

Common factors that can make even a normal pregnancy a high risk pregnancy include but are not limited to:

• Underweight or overweight prior to conception.
• Maternal age younger (less than 17 years) or older (more than 35 years).
• Previous pregnancy history of premature birth, miscarriages, placenta previa, placenta abruption, or complications during labor.
• Existing and chronic health conditions (high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, lupus, asthma, epilepsy, sexually transmitted disease).
• Persistent vomiting past first trimester or excessive vomiting during the pregnancy.
• Pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets)
• Gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy)
• Preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension)
• Thyroid disorders

It is very important for women to receive health care before and during pregnancy to decrease the risk of pregnancy complications. If you are considered a high-risk pregnancy, you will require extra monitoring and perhaps additional treatment to ensure you and your baby stay healthy throughout your pregnancy, during labor and birth. Your particular risk factors will determine what treatment you might receive in addition to routine prenatal care which could include:

• Prenatal screening
• Genetic counseling
• Diabetes management
• Ultrasound evaluations

The Women’s Center of Orlando provides excellent care for high risk pregnancies, which makes frequent appointments with our healthcare providers imperative. All of our healthcare providers partner with their patients in order to ensure the safe and successful delivery of your baby. It’s what we do at The Women’s Center of Orlando, and it’s part of why we are known throughout the Central Florida region as one of the most highly respect women’s health care providers in the Greater Orlando area.