A high-risk pregnancy is one that threatens the life or health of either the mother or the unborn baby. It requires more specialized care than a non-high-risk pregnancy.
There are many factors that can denote a pregnancy as high-risk, such as the mother’s age, diabetes, being overweight or obese, or carrying twins or multiple fetuses. Other factors include a history of having miscarriages, difficulty carrying a pregnancy to term, abdominal surgeries, or blood-clotting disorders.
Let’s talk about some of the ways in which you can reduce your chances of having a high-risk pregnancy.
How to Have a Healthy Pregnancy
If you are looking to start a family, schedule a preconception appointment with an OB/GYN. The physician may counsel you about your weight, nutrition, and lifestyle. It is ideal to begin prenatal care before you are pregnant.
The doctor may place you on a special diet or recommend certain supplements or vitamins. A daily prenatal vitamin can make up for any deficiencies in your dietary regimen.
Once you are pregnant, schedule regular visits with the OB/GYN to ensure that your baby is growing normally and that you are not having any adverse reactions. It is also best to completely eliminate alcohol and smoking, including inhaling second-hand smoke.
Be sure to tell your obstetrician about any medications you are taking, as certain medications can interfere with a healthy pregnancy. Your doctor may switch you to a different medication while you are pregnant.
Possible Complications During Pregnancy
Due to all the hormonal changes going on in the mother’s body, an expectant mother might be at risk of developing gestational diabetes. This can cause complications for both the fetus and the mother, such as preterm delivery and high blood pressure.
There is also the danger of preeclampsia, which is a sudden increase in the mother’s blood pressure. It can affect the mother’s kidneys, liver, and brain, and it can cause serious health issues for both the mother and the fetus. It can also lead to eclampsia, which is an attack of convulsions while pregnant or while delivering the baby.
Certain genetic conditions or defects can occur in fetuses, and many of these conditions can respond positively to treatment while still pregnant or immediately upon birth. If a condition like spina bifida is detected, it can be addressed and repaired before the birth of the child.
Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Miami
If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, and you are in or near North Miami, contact our friendly team at Levin’s Women’s Health & Wellness Center for a consultation. We are conveniently located near Miami Shores, Bal Harbour, and Johnson & Wales University.
We have many years of experience serving the women of Miami, offering such services as pelvic floor therapy, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), nutrition and weight loss, Botox, and post-menopause vaginal laser therapy. We offer all of these as well as OB/GYN medical care for teenage girls and women of all ages.
Call us today at (305) 981-0231 or make an appointment online, and rest assured that you will receive the best care available during your pregnancy and beyond!