Is a High-Risk Pregnancy in Your Future? 5 Common Risk Factors

Every year, about 20 million high-risk pregnancies occur worldwide. But what does that really mean? A high-risk pregnancy is one where you or your baby face a greater chance of health complications. 

So how do you know if one is in your future? 

Below, our team of expert providers at Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates explains five common risk factors for high-risk pregnancies and what we can do to support your high-risk pregnancy here in Marietta, Georgia.

1. You’re over 35 or under 17

Even if you’re in perfect health, your age can slide you into the high-risk category.

You’re over 35

If you’re over 35, your pregnancy may come with extra risks. Doctors call this AMA, or advanced maternal age, and it means you may be more likely to develop gestational diabetes, experience high blood pressure (preeclampsia), or have a baby with chromosomal differences.

That being said, it just increases your risk; it doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop these conditions. With careful care, many women over 35 have healthy pregnancies and babies.

You’re under 17

Younger mothers, particularly those under 17, may be more likely to experience preterm birth, low birth weight, or high blood pressure.

2. You have a preexisting health condition

Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease can complicate pregnancy. Managing these conditions before and during pregnancy can help reduce your risk of complications.

It’s not just the health conditions you have before pregnancy that matter. Some complications that develop during pregnancy can also make it high-risk. These include issues like preeclampsia and placenta previa. 

3. You’re pregnant with multiples

Carrying twins, triplets, or more increases the chances of complications like preterm labor or low birth weight. Your Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates provider monitors you closely if you’re expecting multiples. 

You’re more likely to have a multiple pregnancy if you undergo fertility treatments. 

4. You lead a sedentary lifestyle and don’t have a great diet

Lifestyle choices directly impact your pregnancy health. Smoking, alcohol, drug use, a sedentary lifestyle, and a poor diet can all increase risks for you and your baby. 

The good news is that you can lower your risk by staying active with pregnancy-safe exercises (once you’re cleared to do so) and choosing healthy foods to nourish both you and your baby.

5. You’ve had complications in previous pregnancies

A history of preterm birth, preeclampsia, or miscarriage can increase your risk in future pregnancies. For example, if you had an incompetent cervix in a previous pregnancy, our team may consider subsequent pregnancies high-risk and will monitor your cervix for any issues.

Get peace of mind with high-risk prenatal care

When your pregnancy is considered high-risk, you need specialized prenatal care. 

Monitoring and tests

Your Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates provider increases monitoring to keep you and your baby safe. This may include more frequent checkups, specialized ultrasounds, lab tests, and consultations with maternal-fetal medicine specialists.

Delivery planning

We also focus on delivery planning with our high-risk moms. Moms who are pregnant with multiples or moms with conditions like placenta previa need to plan ahead for their delivery.

Our team delivers babies at the modern birthing center at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. With a Level 3 NICU on-site, you can feel reassured knowing that if your newborn needs extra support, expert specialists and advanced technology are ready to provide the highest level of care for even the smallest and most fragile babies.

Questions? You can reach our team at 770-422-8505. Or, simply click here to schedule your next prenatal appointment.