High Risk Pregnancy

 

What is a High Risk Pregnancy?

A pregnancy is considered high risk when either the mother or child faces an increased chance of complications. Some causes of high-risk pregnancy are pre-existing health conditions, while other risk factors include age or lifestyle choices.

A high-risk pregnancy isn’t necessarily “treated”, but is instead subject to much closer monitoring and more frequent health checks. If the high risk pregnancy is due to an underlying medical condition, treatment of that issue may need to happen before pregnancy occurs.

If it is determined that a high-risk pregnancy is present, special steps may be taken. These can include blood testing, urine testing, and additional ultrasounds. In some cases, a special facility or hospital that caters to high-risk pregnancies may be used.

High-risk Pregnancy Factors

There are different factors that can lead to a high-risk pregnancy such as:

  • Age
  • Multiple-Child Pregnancy
  • Lifestyle
  • Past Pregnancy Issues

Some high risk pregnancies also stem from health issues present in the fetus such as chromosomal or anatomical abnormalities.

Still, other high-risk pregnancies are caused by a pre-existing health condition in the mother. Some of these illnesses can include:

 

  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Epilepsy
  • High blood pressure
  • Cancer
  • HIV
  • Hepatitis C
  • Syphilis
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Lupus
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma

Certain medications may affect pregnancy risk.

Orange Coast Women’s Medical Group works in collaboratively and in conjunction with Maternal-Fetal Medicine Physicians

Request Obstetric Information Today

If you believe you are pregnant please contact our OB Coordinator today 949.829.5500 ext. 37349. For more information or questions regarding high risk pregnancy please contact our office at (949) 829-5500 or request an appointment online with one of our medical professionals.

Dear Patient,

We are here for you. Due to COVID-19 and staff shortage, you may experience longer wait times on the phone and in the lobbies. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we try to service you as effectively as possible!

Your safety and our staff’s safety are important to us, we have made changes to accommodate and provide high-quality care.

PLEASE NOTE: All patients are required to wear a face mask prior to entering the office. Please refer to our COVID-19 Page for our updated Visitor Policy.

Thank you for understanding.

In Good Health,

OCWMG Physicians