Pregnancy is an exciting and life-changing journey, but for some women, it can come with additional challenges and concerns. If your provider has mentioned that you may have a high-risk pregnancy, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what that means. The good news is that with modern medicine, close monitoring, and the right care team, most women with high-risk pregnancies go on to deliver healthy babies.
This guide will walk you through what qualifies as a high-risk pregnancy, common risk factors, how these pregnancies are monitored, and what you can do to support a healthy pregnancy.
What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the mother, the baby, or both have an increased chance of developing health problems before, during, or after birth. A pregnancy may be considered high risk due to existing health conditions, complications that arise during pregnancy, or factors related to the baby’s development.
High-risk does not mean something will definitely go wrong—it simply means your pregnancy includes conditions that require closer observation and specialized care. The goal of identifying a high-risk pregnancy early is to reduce the likelihood of serious problems during pregnancy and improve outcomes for both mother and baby.
Some pregnancies are labeled high risk from the start, while others become high risk over time due to new complications such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal levels of amniotic fluid.
Common Risk Factors for High-Risk Pregnancies
There are many risk factors that can contribute to a pregnancy being considered high risk. These can be grouped into maternal health conditions, lifestyle factors, and pregnancy-related complications.
1. Maternal Health Conditions
Certain pre-existing health conditions can increase the risk of complications, including:
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid disorders
- Obesity
These conditions may affect how the body responds to pregnancy and can increase the risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, growth restriction, or preterm labor.
2. Age and Reproductive History
Age plays a significant role in pregnancy risk:
- Teen pregnancies and pregnancies over age 35 are more likely to be considered high risk.
- Previous miscarriages, stillbirths, or preterm deliveries can also increase risk.
- Carrying multiples (twins, triplets) significantly raises the risk of complications.
3. Lifestyle Factors
Certain habits can directly affect fetal development:
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking or vaping
- Drug use
- Poor nutrition
These behaviors increase the risk of birth defects, low birth weight, and other serious health problems for the baby.
4. Pregnancy-Related Complications
Some complications develop during pregnancy, including:
- Gestational diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Placenta previa
- Abnormal amniotic fluid levels
- Preterm labor
- Infections
These issues may lead to problems during pregnancy or impact labor and delivery.
5. Fetal Conditions
Sometimes the risk comes from the baby, not the mother. A genetic condition, structural abnormality, or suspected birth defect may classify a pregnancy as high risk and require specialized fetal monitoring.
How High-Risk Pregnancies Are Monitored
High-risk pregnancies typically involve more frequent appointments, testing, and collaboration between specialists. The purpose of increased monitoring is to detect potential problems early and manage them before they become serious.
More Frequent Prenatal Visits
Women with high-risk pregnancies often have appointments every two to three weeks (or even weekly later in pregnancy), instead of the standard monthly schedule.
Advanced Testing and Imaging
Your provider may recommend:
- More frequent ultrasounds
- Non-stress tests
- Biophysical profiles
- Blood and urine tests
- Genetic screening or diagnostic testing
These tools help track fetal growth, heart rate, movement, and amniotic fluid levels.
Specialist Care
Many high-risk patients are referred to maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialists. These providers focus specifically on complex pregnancies and collaborate closely with your ObGyn to guide care.
Monitoring Labor and Delivery
High-risk pregnancies often require special planning for labor and delivery, including:
- Delivering at a hospital with a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Early induction if complications worsen
- Continuous fetal monitoring during labor
- A higher chance of cesarean delivery, depending on the situation
Ways to Support a Healthy Pregnancy
While some risk factors can’t be changed, there is a lot you can do to support a healthy pregnancy and reduce the chance of complications.
1. Attend All Prenatal Appointments
Regular care is the most important factor in managing high-risk pregnancies. Skipping visits can delay the detection of serious issues.
2. Manage Existing Health Conditions
Work closely with your care team to control conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. This may include:
- Medication adjustments
- Diet changes
- Blood sugar monitoring
- Additional testing
3. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Small daily choices make a big difference:
- Eat balanced, nutrient-rich meals
- Stay physically active (as recommended by your provider)
- Get adequate sleep
- Avoid smoking, drugs, and drinking alcohol
4. Take Prescribed Medications
Never stop or change medications without consulting your provider. Many medications are safe during pregnancy and essential for preventing complications.
5. Reduce Stress and Prioritize Mental Health
High-risk pregnancies can be emotionally taxing. Stress can affect physical health, so consider:
- Prenatal yoga or gentle exercise
- Counseling or therapy
- Support groups
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
6. Know the Warning Signs
Contact your provider immediately if you experience:
- Severe headaches
- Vision changes
- Vaginal bleeding
- Sudden swelling
- Decreased fetal movement
- Persistent abdominal pain
Early intervention can prevent more serious problems during pregnancy.
The Outlook for High-Risk Pregnancies
Thanks to advances in prenatal care, technology, and specialist support, outcomes for high-risk pregnancies are better than ever. Many women who are classified as high risk go on to deliver healthy babies without long-term complications.
Being labeled “high risk” doesn’t mean something bad will happen—it means your care team is being proactive. With close monitoring, lifestyle management, and expert guidance, most risks can be controlled or minimized.
Contact Women’s Health Arizona Today!
If you’ve been diagnosed with or are concerned about a high-risk pregnancy, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Women’s Health Arizona, our experienced team of ObGyn and maternal-fetal medicine specialists provides personalized care for women with high-risk pregnancies at every stage.
Whether you’re managing health conditions, experiencing pregnancy complications, or simply want peace of mind, we’re here to support you with expert monitoring, advanced testing, and compassionate care.
Schedule your appointment today and take the next step toward a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.
