High-Risk Pregnancy
What is High Risk Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is considered high risk when it threatens the health or life of the mother and/or the fetus. Some women are at high risk for complications before getting pregnant, while some pregnancies become high risk as they progress.
Pre-Existing Health Conditions such as:
- Autoimmune diseases such as SLS or MS
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- HIV/AIDS and other infectious or sexually transmitted diseases
- Kidney disease
- Lifestyle-related health issues such as alcohol and substance abuse
- Mental health disorders
- Uncontrolled asthma or other respiratory diseases
- Reproductive disorders such as PCOS and fibroid
- Obesity
- Oncologic or hematologic diseases (current or history of)
- Thyroid disorders
Disorders Related to or Onset with Pregnancy:
- Birth defects or genetic conditions identified in utero
- Gestational diabetes
- History of preterm labor or miscarriage
- Multiple gestation
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Poor fetal growth
Fetal Anomalies: Anomalies can affect various parts of the body including organs, limbs, and systems, and they can range from mild to severe. Here are some common types of fetal anomalies:
- Structural anomalies: These involve abnormalities in the structure or shape of a specific body part or organ. Examples include heart defects, cleft lip and palate, limb deformities, and neural tube defects (such as spina bifida).
- Chromosomal Anomalies: These are caused by changes in the number or structure of chromosomes and can lead to conditions like Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and Edwards Syndrome.
- Genetic Anomalies: These result from mutations or changes in specific genes. Examples include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and muscular dystrophy.
- Functional Anomalies: These involve abnormalities in how a specific organ or system functions, even if its structure appears normal. For example, congenital heart arrhythmias or certain metabolic disorders fall into this category.
Genetic Disorders such as:
- Anencephaly
- Cleft Lip and Palate
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Down Syndrome
- Encephalocele
- Marfan’s Syndrome
- Spina Bifida
- Trisomy 18
Are You at Risk?
If you are thinking about pregnancy, but have a chronic medical condition like those listed above, or had a high-risk pregnancy in the past, consider a consultation with one of our high-risk specialists to provide recommendations to optimize your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and delivering a healthy child.
In addition to employing the latest technologies and techniques in the field today, CHRISTUS Health has a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with 24-hour, in-house physician coverage by a neonatologist and a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP). You and your baby will be in the best possible care and will be given the best possible start to a brand-new life.
Top-Rated Maternal-Fetal Specialists
Learn MoreGet the Care You Deserve
If you are already pregnant and experiencing complications in your pregnancy, there is hope for you. Our specialists are here to provide you with a detailed plan of care to optimize your health, and the health of your unborn child. Through compassionate and comprehensive care, our specialists will partner with you, your families, and your doctor to make sure you understand your condition(s) and have a detailed plan for you and your unborn child.
