High Risk Obstetrical Care

When do I need high-risk obstetrical care?

You typically need high-risk obstetrical care when you have a high-risk pregnancy, which means that you and your baby need additional monitoring during pregnancy. Most high-risk pregnancies result in healthy babies.

Some of the factors that indicate a high-risk pregnancy include:

• Mother is 35 or older
• Existing health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and obesity
• Gestational diabetes
• Preeclampsia 
• Maternal lifestyle factors, such as smoking or alcohol and drug use
• Multiples pregnancy, such as twins
• A history of pregnancy complications

Complications such as rhesus (Rh) sensitization, abnormal placenta position, and fetal growth restrictions also result in high-risk pregnancies. 

With personalized high-risk obstetrical care, you and your baby have an excellent chance of a safe, healthy, and complication-free pregnancy and delivery.

What is included in high-risk obstetrical care?

Sarasota OB/GYN Associates offers highly personalized high-risk obstetrical care. Beginning with your first prenatal appointment, they assess your health, lifestyle, and medical history to determine if your pregnancy is potentially high risk. 

Depending on your individual needs, your high-risk obstetrical care could include:

• More frequent prenatal check-ups
• Lab tests
• Specialized and targeted ultrasounds
• Prenatal cell-free DNA screening
• Invasive genetic screening
• Amniocentesis 
• Ultrasounds for cervical length
• Biophysical profile

If you have either pre-existing or pregnancy-related diabetes or high blood pressure, your provider might recommend that you adjust your diet or monitor your blood sugar or blood pressure at home. 

They might also suggest that you take a 15-minute walk after your meals to help your body regulate your blood sugar. Gentle, daily exercise helps lower blood pressure and can help you stay flexible and comfortable as your pregnancy progresses. 

How often do I need to have high-risk obstetrical care check-ups?

Regular prenatal care usually includes monthly prenatal appointments for the first 28 weeks, then biweekly appointments in weeks 29-36, and weekly appointments until delivery. You also typically have two ultrasounds at 12 and 20 weeks. 

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, Sarasota OB/GYN Associates creates a personalized prenatal plan to address your needs. You might have more frequent prenatal check-ups or additional ultrasounds and tests. 

If you have questions about your high-risk pregnancy, Sarasota OB/GYN Associates can help. Call or book an appointment online today for expert high-risk obstetrical care.