Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing time, but it can also bring questions and concerns—especially if your provider tells you that your pregnancy is considered “high-risk.” Hearing that term can feel overwhelming. You may have concerns about your health, your baby’s development, and what to expect moving forward.
A high-risk pregnancy simply means that you or your baby have a higher chance of developing certain complications and will need closer monitoring. With the right care and support, most women with high-risk pregnancies go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.
What Makes a Pregnancy High-Risk?
A pregnancy may be classified as high-risk if there are factors that could affect the health of the mother, the baby, or both. These factors can be present before conception, develop during pregnancy, or occur as a result of complications that arise unexpectedly.
Some of the most common reasons a pregnancy may be labeled high-risk include:
- Maternal health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, or heart disease
- Pregnancy-related complications like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placenta previa
- Multiple gestation, meaning you are carrying twins or higher-order multiples
- Advanced maternal age, typically defined as age 35 or older at the time of delivery
- Preterm labor in a current or previous pregnancy
- Fetal growth restriction, where the baby is smaller than expected for gestational age
Even if you have one or more of these risk factors, it does not mean you will have a poor outcome. It simply means your care team will take extra steps to monitor your health and your baby’s development.
How High-Risk Pregnancies Are Managed
When a pregnancy is identified as high-risk, your care plan will likely include more frequent visits and specialized testing. The goal is to detect and address any changes early, before they lead to complications.
This may involve:
- Detailed ultrasound evaluations to track your baby’s growth and development
- More frequent prenatal checkups to monitor blood pressure, weight, and symptoms
- Blood tests to track hormone levels, glucose levels, or other indicators of health
- Personalized guidance on nutrition, activity, and other lifestyle factors to reduce risk and support a healthy pregnancy.
If necessary, we work closely with maternal-fetal medicine specialists to ensure you receive the most comprehensive care possible.
