Additional screenings and specialized tests for pregnancies with complex underlying conditions.
A high-risk pregnancy follow-up requires targeted monitoring and specialized screening to address potential complications from known conditions early, ensuring the best outcomes for the mother and baby.
A pregnancy can be endangered due to factors such as the mother’s age, pre-existing or congenital health issues, pregnancy-related issues, complex medical and pregnancy history, or an existing infection. Depending on the endangering factors, such pregnancies present an increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, preterm labor, preeclampsia, miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, and other serious complications.
Typical preventive measures for high-risk cases include more frequent medical visits (every 1-2 weeks from the midpoint on), regular specialized tests, constant monitoring of the mother’s health, and close collaboration with other specialists.
High-risk pregnancy monitoring includes the routine screenings, applied to normal pregnancies plus a series of additional procedures for excluding or preventing any worst-case scenario. Depending on the underlying issues, high-risk follow-ups may include:
Regular specialized examinations (ultrasounds, NST, and BPP) to ensure fetal growth and well-being from early on
Various check-ups for closely monitoring the mother’s health (blood pressure, urine protein, and glucose)
Consultation or cross-examination by other specialists, such as endocrinologists, cardiologists, neonatologists, etc.
If you have any questions about your high-risk pregnancy, don’t hesitate to ask during your follow-up.
High-risk pregnancy follow-ups are critical for the pregnancy outcome because they anticipate complications and determine initial or additional interventions for successful mitigation or prevention.
Common interventions in endangered pregnancies may be medicinal (taking Aspirin to counter preeclampsia), supplement-based (taking progesterone if there is a history of preterm birth), or surgical (adding cerclage support to the cervix). Fetal Growth Restriction is constantly checked and may be addressed through early delivery. Twins are considered high-risk—their growth and their mother’s cervical length are closely monitored, and they are often delivered at week 37-38.
During your high-risk pregnancy, it’s crucial to communicate regularly with your physician and stay constantly alert for any symptoms or warning signs, according to doctor guidelines and common pregnancy red flags.
For appointments, call my office every Thursday between 9.30 and 15.30.
