What a High-Risk Pregnancy Really Means for You and Your Baby

Hearing that your pregnancy is considered high risk can be unsettling. The term may immediately make you think something is wrong with you or your baby, but that is not always the case.

A high-risk pregnancy simply means there is a greater chance that additional care, testing, or monitoring may be helpful during pregnancy. Some pregnancies are considered high risk from the beginning, while others are placed in this category after a medical concern or pregnancy complication develops.

Dr. Joseph Leveno, OBGYN at Medical City Plano in Plano, Texas, helps expectant mothers understand their individual risk factors without creating unnecessary fear. The goal of high-risk pregnancy care is to recognize concerns early, follow changes closely, and make informed decisions throughout pregnancy.

What Can Make a Pregnancy High Risk?

A pregnancy may be considered high risk because of a health condition, previous pregnancy history, maternal age, or a concern that develops during pregnancy. Age 35 or older may increase the chance of certain complications, but many women in this age group still have healthy pregnancies.

Other factors may include:

• High blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or autoimmune conditions
• Carrying twins or other multiples
• Previous pregnancy loss, preterm birth, or complications
• Placental or fetal growth concerns
• Certain medications, procedures, or medical history

A pregnancy can also become high risk later because of gestational diabetes, bleeding, cervical changes, or changes in the baby’s growth. Regular prenatal visits help identify concerns that may not cause noticeable symptoms.

What Does Closer Pregnancy Monitoring Involve?

High-risk pregnancy care is based on the patient’s individual health, pregnancy history, stage of pregnancy, and current concerns. Being labeled high risk does not mean every patient will need the same tests or appointment schedule.

Some women may simply need more frequent prenatal visits. Others may need additional ultrasounds, bloodwork, fetal monitoring, medication management, or coordination with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.

Closer monitoring may include:

• Checking blood pressure and reviewing symptoms more often
• Monitoring the baby’s growth and development through ultrasound
• Reviewing bloodwork, glucose testing, or other screening results
• Tracking fetal movement or heart rate later in pregnancy
• Adjusting the delivery plan when additional care may be needed

The timing and type of fetal surveillance depend on the specific risk factors involved. Patients with more than one significant concern may need monitoring to begin earlier or occur more frequently than those with a single, stable risk factor.

“I know the words ‘high risk’ can sound frightening, so I want patients to understand why we are recommending closer care. Monitoring gives us more information and helps us respond sooner when something needs attention,” says Dr. Joseph Leveno.

Call your OBGYN for symptoms such as severe headaches, vision changes, heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, sudden swelling, significant pain, decreased fetal movement, or signs of early labor. Your care team can explain which warning signs are most important based on your pregnancy and medical history.

Support for High-Risk Pregnancy in Plano, Texas

A high-risk pregnancy can bring more appointments and more questions, but it can also provide additional opportunities to monitor your health and your baby’s development. Understanding why certain testing or follow-up is recommended may help the process feel less overwhelming.

Dr. Joseph Leveno provides prenatal and high-risk pregnancy care at Medical City Plano in Plano, Texas. Conveniently located near Murphy, the office gives expectant mothers a place to discuss risk factors, review symptoms, and receive pregnancy care based on their individual needs.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph Leveno if you have questions about your pregnancy, previous complications, medical conditions, or the type of prenatal monitoring that may be appropriate for you.

Published by Dr. Joseph Leveno, OBGYN | Medical City Plano | Serving Collin County, TX | (972) 596-5821

Educational only. Not medical advice.