WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

High-Risk Pregnancies: What You Need to Know

Pregnancy
Pregnancy follow-up
High-Risk Pregnancies: What You Need to Know
A high-risk pregnancy refers to a pregnancy in which there are certain factors that may increase the potential for complications for the pregnant person or the developing baby.
While it is important to remember that every pregnancy is unique, understanding the concept of high-risk pregnancies can help individuals and healthcare providers take appropriate precautions and provide necessary care.
Here are some key points to consider:
Risk Factors
  • Maternal Age: Pregnancy at a younger age (under 18) or an older age (over 35) may be associated with certain risks. Teenage pregnancies may pose challenges due to incomplete physical and emotional development, while advanced maternal age may increase the likelihood of conditions such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, or chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Medical Conditions: Pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, or certain infections can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy. It is important to manage these conditions and work closely with healthcare providers to ensure optimal care.
  • Previous Pregnancy Complications: Women who have experienced complications in previous pregnancies, such as preterm birth, preeclampsia, or recurrent miscarriages, may have a higher risk of encountering similar issues in subsequent pregnancies.
  • Multiple Pregnancies: Carrying twins, triplets, or higher-order multiples increases the complexity and risk associated with pregnancy. Multiple pregnancies can pose challenges such as preterm birth, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or restricted fetal growth.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and inadequate prenatal care, can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy.
Specialized Care and Monitoring
  • High-risk pregnancies often require specialized care provided by healthcare professionals experienced in managing complex pregnancies. This may involve increased monitoring, more frequent prenatal visits, additional tests or screenings, and close collaboration between various specialists.
  • Careful monitoring of maternal health, fetal development, and potential complications is crucial in high-risk pregnancies. This may include monitoring blood pressure, blood glucose levels, fetal growth, amniotic fluid levels, and conducting regular ultrasounds or other diagnostic tests as necessary.
Preventive Measures and Interventions
  • Depending on the specific risk factors and medical conditions, preventive measures and interventions can be implemented to manage and reduce potential risks. These may include lifestyle modifications, medication management, dietary changes, or specialized treatments to address specific complications.
  • Early identification and prompt management of any emerging complications are vital in high-risk pregnancies. Regular communication and collaboration with healthcare providers will help ensure appropriate interventions are implemented when needed.
Emotional Support and Self-Care
  • High-risk pregnancies can create additional stress and anxiety for individuals. It is important to seek emotional support from loved ones, join support groups, or consult with mental health professionals who specialize in perinatal care.
  • Engaging in self-care practices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate rest, managing stress levels, and following healthcare provider's recommendations, can contribute to overall well-being during a high-risk pregnancy.
Learn more
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T
Tristan
13 Jan 2024

Anyone having a high risk pregnancy? I was told I’m high risk and I trying so hard not to freak out and worry.

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8 comments
V
Valeria
Yes. I had a placenta abruption with my daughter which is why she’s a premature baby. And they are keeping an eye out on me due to my blood pressure as well.
27 Mar 2024

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Tristan
I’m 10 weeks told I have high blood pressure I have to go see a specialist but was told my pregnancy looks normal so far.
27 Mar 2024

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Victoria
10 Aug 2023

Does any other expecting mothers have a high risk pregnancy? I need to know I’m not alone in this as one of the moms. Any advice or anything I should know ?

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9 comments
M
Michelle
Sending you prayers🙏🏼
27 Mar 2024

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Pamela
With my 1st baby they told me i was high risk but he came out super healthy and no issues so i would say don’t overthink it and pray on it 🙏🏽🫶🏼 God is in control love
27 Mar 2024

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Katie
6 Jun 2023

So I have question for those who have high risk pregnancies how often did you get to get an ultrasound done???

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7 comments
K
Kaylin
My offices let’s me go as often as I want. You should be able to ask for an US at any time, especially high risk.
27 Mar 2024

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Katie
Okay thanks hopefully they don’t deny that request
27 Mar 2024

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Skylar
28 Feb 2023

So i have my first appointment on march 16th at 7 weeks 3 days that is closer to me. Then this other office just called that takes care of “high risk” pregnancies that is further away and she wont see me till 8 weeks which is march 20th … is it an issue to go to 2 different doctor offices? Or should i cancel one ? I guess im considered “high risk” because i have asthma and considered overweight .. the first office never labeled me “high risk” though so the second office made me feel a type of way.

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11 comments
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Amber
If u have another dr u can call I would
27 Mar 2024

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Skylar
The appointment on the 16th is the place that didnt label me high risk before seeing me .. the one i have set on the 20th is the one that labeled me high risk over the phone .. they are 2 separate offices/doctors
27 Mar 2024

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Yolanda
23 Feb 2023

When did you guys find out your gender via ULTRASOUND? I have an appointment with high risk at 13 weeks 6days and kinda curious if they can tell. I’m not wanting to find out until next month so trying to figure out if I need to tell them upfront I don’t want to know yet.

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C
Carm
I found out but most doctors normally do it but at high risks appointments they do genetics as well so just let them uu don’t want to kno the gender
27 Mar 2024

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Yolanda
Ok sweet. I’m doing a 3D/4D ultrasound at 16 weeks and my close friends and family are going to be there so we can find out all together. Can’t wait! So yeah ill def let them know not to say anything if they can tell. 🥰
27 Mar 2024

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🐣🐰💐Meghan Renee💐🐰🐣
29 Dec 2022

Any of you ladies who see maternal fetal medicine for being high risk etc. do you know if you always get induced or not? I am considered high risk because of my age and also because I have a fib, and they haven’t mentioned to me yet about an induction date but I don’t think I can make it to February and I don’t know if it’s worth discussing with them or not. Thoughts?

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Jennifer & Ariana
No I don't think it's always induction I've been seeing one and no mention of induction
27 Mar 2024

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Kashmirs Mommy ❤️
I see them because of my blood pressure I’ll be induced again at 39 w 4 days
27 Mar 2024

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Debra
20 Dec 2022

High risk pregnancy? How did u become high risk? My doctor( who I think I need to change) says I am not high risk but everyone around me and me thinks I should be.

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4 comments
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Kristine
What made you or everyone around you think that you are?
27 Mar 2024

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Debra
I am 38, have popped blood vessels all over my face now, had a leaking vein fixed only a year ago, have only gained a pound, had covid right before I was pregnant bad. Went to lung and heart specialist and just got those situated. Etc. My body is crazy. This will be my fourth child.
27 Mar 2024

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Erika Lopez-Alvarez
12 Dec 2022

Hi everyone, I have a question for my high risk pregnancy (like 38 year old). I have to go see a high risk doctor on Friday and wanted to know what type test they are going to do? I don’t want to go there without knowing. Please help?

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7 comments
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Kody
I'm 40 also high risk.. they just take your blood n run genetic tests.. also check your cervix mine was short so I had to get a cervix cerclage which was scary but everything has went well so far..
27 Mar 2024

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Randi
I’m assuming you had your nipt blood test and nt scan. I think 18-20 weeks is an anatomy scan. I’m high risk too and 37.. they monitor my blood pressure bc I had hypertension last pregnancy. Did they tell what they were concerned about? Did you do your genetic blood test
27 Mar 2024

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Elizabeth
9 Dec 2022

I need help ladies I’m a high risk pregnancy and I think I’m getting the flu but my doctor told me no medicine so what can I take to help me

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9 comments
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✨📍Meek📍✨
I was in this position during my first pregnancy and I was high risk too. All I could do was rest. I drunk pedialyte and protein shakes. And ate a brat diet. Saline nasal spray helps breaking up the mucus and you can use that as often as you want. Vicks vapor rub helped and cough drops and Tylenol as well. I know what you’re going through I hope you feel better soon and if you start to feel even worse after a few days I would go to the er. Sending prayers and a speedy recovery ❤️‍🩹 🙏🏽
27 Mar 2024

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Elizabeth
I heard stuff about Tylenol so I wasn’t sure I could take that and thank you so much 💗
27 Mar 2024

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Jayy
9 Aug 2022

Hello im new here and I'm pregnant with twins but I'm high risk due to all my health problems. I'm 35 years old and these babies will be my rainbow babies!I'm just scared and excited. But don't want to get too excited due to my high risk. Feeling confused. Would like to hear words of encouragement even if I know I'm high risk. Thank you 😊

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2 comments
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Arnetia
Jayy, Congratulations on your twins. This is truly a blessing as well. I miscarried in May of this year, I'm praying my time will be this month. Enough about me, Enjoy your twins and you're going to have them full term by faith. Keep the faith and stay positive. I'm so happy for you. Is this your first pregnancy? 🙏🏿🙌🏿❤
27 Mar 2024

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Crystaliz
Aww congratulations twins that’s awesome I’m also high risk due to my placenta having a small detachment from my uterus I been bleeding since beginning of my pregnancy so I know it’s scary but if u believe in god leave everything in his hands just like I know he will protect my baby boy I’m sure he will protect ur twins 🙏🏻 god bless you and ur babies
27 Mar 2024

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