High-Risk Pregnancy

While all pregnancies have the potential to become high-risk, women considered to have high-risk pregnancies are those who:

• Have pre-existing medical conditions like thyroid disease, hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, heart problems, cancer and more
• Had prior pregnancy complications, such as a lost pregnancy in the third trimester
• Are expecting multiples
• Are age 35 or older, which puts women at greater risk for gestational diabetes, preeclampsia and chromosomal abnormalities

Conditions that pregnant mothers can experience may include but are not limited to:

• Preeclampsia
• Cervical Insufficiency
• Placenta Accreta
• Bleeding during pregnancy
• Preterm labor

Before conception, a high-risk pregnancy consultation is recommended if you have a chronic medical condition or other health concerns. These concerns may include a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid disease, anemia, autoimmune conditions, eating disorders or allergies.

High-risk pregnancy symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from typical pregnancy symptoms. However, the symptoms may last longer and be far more severe than in a typical pregnancy.

You should report any painful or worrisome symptoms to your doctor right away. During a high-risk pregnancy, you may experience:

• Severe pain or cramping in the lower abdomen
• Noticeable changes in vision, including blurred vision
• Decreased fetal movement
• Persistent headaches
• Painful burning sensations while urinating
• Vaginal bleeding
• Clear, watery vaginal discharge, similar to a yeast infection
• Frequent contractions