High-Risk Pregnancy Care in North Texas
Care for Complicated Pregnancies at Methodist Health System
A high-risk pregnancy is one in which either the mother or the baby is at an increased risk for health problems during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. This can be due to various factors such as existing health conditions, age, lifestyle, or complications during previous pregnancies. Some examples of conditions that can result in a high-risk pregnancy:
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Advanced maternal age (typically over 35 years old)
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A multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
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History of miscarriage or premature birth
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Pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
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Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placenta previa
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Fetal abnormalities or genetic conditions
When to Seek Care
If you are trying to get pregnant, consult with your doctor about your pre-existing health conditions or family history of high-risk pregnancies. They can help manage any existing conditions and provide guidance on how to have a safe pregnancy.
Once you know you are pregnant, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can perform necessary tests and evaluations to identify any potential risk factors and create a plan to manage the high-risk pregnancy.
High-risk pregnancies require more frequent doctor visits and medical monitoring due to their increased chances of developing complications during pregnancy and childbirth. These visits may include more frequent prenatal appointments, additional ultrasounds or testing, and consultations with specialists. This is to ensure that any potential complications are identified and managed promptly to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and baby.