What makes a Pregnancy High Risk?

Pregnancy is a time of joy and expectation. But for some, especially those with chronic medical conditions or who are expecting multiples, pregnancy can also be a time of fear and uncertainty. With the right specialized care,  both mother and child can ensure a more positive, healthy experience.

Five-ten percent of pregnancies are termed "high risk." A pregnancy is "high risk" or "complicated" when the life or health of the mother or baby may be at risk. It is estimated that approximately one out of every four pregnant women will experience complications this year, sometimes leading to the birth of a premature baby. When babies are born preterm, they have a higher risk for serious health problems.

Families can cope more successfully with a high-risk pregnancy with appropriate medical intervention, education, and a strong support system. In fact, many risk factors can be identified even before conception occurs.

Following are some factors that may lead to a a high-risk pregnancy:

A high-risk pregnancy diagnosis shouldn't automatically be perceived as negative. With the proper pre-natal care, 90-95% of  these pregnancies produce healthy, viable babies. When problems are detected early, the better the chances that both mother and baby will stay healthy. Virginia Hospital Center's Maternal-Fetal Medicine department has leading physicians in this area. 

If you have made an appointment with Maternal-Fetal Medicine, you may now pre-register for your visit online. It is a simple, time saving process.