Best OB/GYN in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA: what is a high-risk pregnancy?
The best OB/GYN in Atlanta explains what a high-risk pregnancy is
The best OB/GYN in Atlanta will be there for you, whether it is your first pregnancy or third. However, hearing your doctor say that your pregnancy will be high-risk can be a concern for you. A high-risk pregnancy can be the result of a wide variety of common conditions. Many of these conditions may have developed while pregnant or during your delivery, or the conditions may be pre-existing before you became pregnant.
Having a high-risk pregnancy doesn’t mean that your pregnancy will be more challenging or complex compared to a pregnancy that is low risk. But it does mean that you will sometimes need to consult with a specialist and undergo more monitoring.
What is a high-risk pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy that can threaten the life or health of the baby or mother. Oftentimes, it will require a form of specialized care from providers who are specially trained.
As some pregnancies progress, they can become high-risk, while other women are at a higher risk of complications before getting pregnant for different reasons.
Regular, early prenatal care can help you to have a pregnancy that is healthy and a delivery that is free from complications.
What causes a high-risk pregnancy?
Your doctor will answer all of your questions regarding your high-risk pregnancy and explain why yours is considered to be high-risk. Many reasons that a pregnancy is deemed to be high-risk are unavoidable and have nothing to do with what you did.
Common causes that are unavoidable include:
- Pregnancy with multiple babies
- Being under 17 or over 35 when pregnant
- History of pregnancies that were complicated
- Heart conditions
- Family history of genetic conditions
Even with an unavoidable cause, a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risks of your pregnancy.
How will your care be different?
Closer monitoring and more frequent prenatal visits will generally be required during a high-risk pregnancy. You can be referred to a maternal-fetal medicine doctor if your condition is severe enough for your treatment and care. This doctor has received special train about how to take care of any woman that is experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.
Your particular circumstances and condition will determine the exact care that you will receive. This doctor will most likely work alongside your ob/GYN to be sure that both the baby and you are healthy throughout the pregnancy.
Best OB/GYN in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA: prevention and treatment
The best OB/GYN in Atlanta will recommend a preconception appointment, even if you have no existing health problems. This is to ensure that you are as healthy as possible before becoming pregnant. During this appointment, your doctor can recommend steps that can be taken to reduce any risks.
Contact your top Alpharetta and Atlanta OBGYN for your obstetrics and gynecology care.