High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions

What Are High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions?

When it comes to conditions in pregnancies, it’s important to keep an eye out for common high-risk pregnancy conditions. High-risk pregnancies happen when the mother or fetus’ life is threatened or in danger. Some of these risks may have developed before you became pregnant, and some can develop during your pregnancy. It’s important to go to scheduled appointments throughout your pregnancy to monitor any risk factors. 

Risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy can include:

• Autoimmune disorders, including lupus and myasthenia gravis
• Diabetes
• Infectious diseases, including viral hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections
• Maternal or fetal genetic disorders, including hemophilia, cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome
• Getting pregnant when you’re over age 35
• Teen pregnancy

Talk to your doctor to discuss prenatal testing to determine if you have a high-risk pregnancy. 

Diagnosing and Treating High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions 

Testing for a high-risk pregnancy can help determine next steps to make sure you have the healthiest pregnancy possible. Discuss with your doctor which tests are necessary during your pregnancy. The type of risk conditions present will determine the tests that will be done. Some tests done to determine a high-risk pregnancy may include:

• Ultrasound
• Lab tests
• Amniocentesis – Testing a sample of the amniotic fluid can help determine if there are genetic conditions
• Genetic testing 

When it comes to treating a high-risk pregnancy, the treatment is highly dependent on the diagnosis. Discuss any treatment options with your doctor to decide what is right for you and the baby. 

How to Prevent High-Risk Pregnancy Conditions

Preventing a high-risk pregnancy is not always possible, but there are things you can do to continue on the road to a healthy pregnancy. 

• Continue to go to scheduled appointments
• Eat a healthy diet
• Stay active

If you are facing a pregnancy with a high-risk condition rest assured that the professionals at Banner are here to help you and your baby along this special journey.