What is a high-risk pregnancy?
Although childbirth is a natural process, the journey from conception to delivery can be fraught with complications that may put both mother and baby at risk. A high-risk pregnancy is characterized by factors that could increase the potential for complications for the mother or the unborn child.
Your pregnancy may be considered high-risk if you fall under any of the following categories:
- Existing Medical Conditions: Such as diabetes, epilepsy, cancer, heart disease, or kidney disease
- Obesity: Over 40% of people in the US are overweight. People with a BMI of greater than 30 have a two fold increase in fetal anomalies detected by ultrasound
- IVF pregnancies: Have higher rates of stillbirth, fetal anomalies, fetal cardiac defects
- Multiple Pregnancy: If you’re expecting more than one baby, you have higher risks of fetal anomalies, fetal growth issues, stillbirth, toxemia, and preterm birth
- Recurrent Miscarriages: Three or more miscarriages in the past have increased the risk of issues that, when found, can prevent miscarriage or other problems encountered later in pregnancy
- Infections: Such as HIV, hepatitis C, or other sexually transmitted infections
- Complications in Past Pregnancies: Like preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, or a history of delivering babies with birth defects. These all have a higher rate of recurrence
- Advanced Maternal Age: Women who are 35 years or older
- Abnormal Prenatal Screenings: If tests indicate chromosomal abnormalities or congenital heart defects
- Unexplained Pregnancy Loss: If you’ve experienced the death of a baby in the past for an unknown reason
- Substance Use: Smoking, alcohol, or drug use during pregnancy
- Placental Issues: Such as placenta previa or placental abruption
Suppose you identify with one or more of these categories. In that case, it’s advisable to consult a maternal fetal medicine specialist (MFM) for a pre-pregnancy or early pregnancy evaluation. MFM physicians are experts in managing high-risk pregnancies. They will collaborate with your OB/GYN to provide the best care.
What is the role of a maternal fetal medicine specialist (MFM)?
Your specific care plan will be tailored to address your unique high-risk factors, fertility considerations, and postnatal needs. An MFM can assist with:
- Personalized Care Plans: Based on the individual high-risk factors that could impact you or your baby.
- In-depth Monitoring: Rigorous tracking of potential complications.
- Advanced Diagnostics: 3D ultrasounds, amniocentesis, and chorionic villus sampling.
- Genetic Counseling: Providing genetic testing and interpreting the results.
- Consultative Services: MFM specialists can provide second opinions and consult with your primary care team.
- Intrauterine Procedures: Such as fetal transfusions, if necessary.
Why are MFM Specialists Essential for High-Risk Pregnancies?
Specialized attention from an MFM can make a critical difference for women with chronic health conditions, unexpected pregnancy-related issues, or prior non-routine pregnancies. Working in tandem with your existing medical team and family, an MFM specialist is skilled at navigating the challenges of a high-risk pregnancy, ensuring that both mother and baby receive the best care.
While most high-risk pregnancies result in safe and successful births, specialized care aims to make the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible. Consistent communication with your team of healthcare providers, attending all scheduled appointments, and taking steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle are essential components of managing a high-risk pregnancy effectively.
