High Risk Pregnancy in Duluth, GA

While a pregnancy is almost always a happy occasion, many women are faced with the prospect of a high risk pregnancy. Whether due to a pre-existing illness, age or any other factor a high risk pregnancy requires special care.

Request more information about high risk pregnancy and obstetrics today: call (770) 674-6311 or contact Dr. Gail Ravello online.

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 of what causes a high risk pregnancy is 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 frequently health check-ups. 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 many different factors that can lead to a high risk pregnancy. Some non-illness high risk pregnancy factors include:

• Age: Women younger than 17 or older than 35 face a higher risk of complications than women within that range.
• Multiple-child pregnancy: In many cases, a multiple-baby pregnancy is automatically considered high risk.
• Lifestyle: Mothers who are obese , underweight or have a history of substance abuse are considered to have a high risk pregnancy.
• Past pregnancy issues: If a mother has dealt with multiple miscarriages, early birth, and pregnancy seizures or has had previous high-risk pregnancy, this is also a factor.

Many high risk pregnancies also stem from health issues present in the fetus, including Down syndrome, heart problems and lung issues.

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 as well.

Request Obstetric Information Today

If you believe you are entering a high risk pregnancy, contact a medical professional immediately. Request more information about obstetric care: call (770) 674-6311 or contact Dr. Gail Ravello online.