High Risk Pregnancy in Gatlinburg, TN
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 (423) 482-8711 or contact AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center 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 (423) 482-8711 or contact AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center online.
AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center
Address
1604 Lamons LaneSuite 202
Johnson City, TN 37604
(423) 482-8711
www.awaremed.com
Hours
Mon:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm