Some women are more likely to experience difficulties during pregnancy for a range of reasons. In these situations, high-risk pregnancy care works to reduce the likelihood of issues for mothers and babies. If your pregnancy has been deemed as high-risk by a doctor, you may have many questions about this. To help you stay healthy and safe, here’s more information about this diagnosis and how perinatology helps.

What Makes a Pregnancy High Risk?

A high-risk pregnancy is one that may threaten the health or life of the mother or fetus. While some are considered high-risk from the very beginning, others are seen as such in the later stages.

There are several factors that can increase the likelihood of complications before or during delivery, such as the age of the mother, health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, obesity, and positive HIV status. For example, expectant mothers who are overweight are more likely to experience gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, or high blood pressure. 

How Can a Perinatologist Help?

If you require high-risk pregnancy care, you may see a perinatologist. This medical professional has experience dealing with complicated gestation periods and can improve the chances of a positive outcome for you and your baby.

During your first appointment with a perinatologist, they will obtain a detailed genetic overview from you by asking questions about your health and family history. They may also suggest genetic screenings, blood tests, and fetal monitoring based on your situation. They might recommend changes to medications or supplements to protect your baby, look over your eating plans to ensure proper nutrition, or suggest prenatal surgery if necessary to address issues before delivery.

Thameside ObGyn Centre in Groton, CT provides comprehensive, high-quality care to women of all ages. Offering everything from Pap smears to cancer screenings and high-risk pregnancy screenings, they’ll help you at every stage of your life. Learn more about their services online or call (860) 445-5107 to schedule an appointment.