Put your mind at ease with our exemplary high-risk obstetrical care
Any pregnancy brings with it joy, anticipation and some trepidation. For patients identified as having a high-risk pregnancy, those concerns are amplified. Our San Antonio women’s clinic doctors partner with our maternal-fetal medicine specialist colleagues to provide reassurance and stellar high-risk obstetrical care.
We specialize in high-risk obstetrical care
Most of the time, having a baby proceeds as expected over the nine months of pregnancy, but all pregnancy carries some risk. If you have been told that you have a higher-than-normal level of risk in pregnancy, it means you or your baby have a greater chance of developing complications. We know that this type of news can create anxiety and stress, so we pledge to offer top-notch medical expertise combined with compassionate care.
Circumstances that contribute to a high-risk pregnancy
For our high-risk pregnancy patients, we usually recommend additional monitoring and testing. These additional appointments will allow our San Antonio women’s clinic doctors to check your progress and ensure everything is on track.
Several factors could lead to increased risks in pregnancy.
- Advanced maternal age, defined as patients 35 years or older
- Existing health problems, such as diabetes, obesity, epilepsy and/or uncontrolled asthma
- Known pregnancy complications, such as Rh factor issues, blood clotting disorders and/or unusual placenta positioning
- Multiples in the pregnancy
- History of recurrent pregnancy loss
- Previous reproductive surgeries, such as multiple C-sections or abdominal surgeries
- Risk of pre-term labor
Monitoring the pregnancy closely
For patients under high-risk obstetrical care, we often begin with an initial pregnancy visit to review your case and discuss specifics. Generally, we will then lay out a plan for future visits and any special appointments, such as high-level sonograms or more extensive testing.
For patients diagnosed as high-risk, we may refer you to a maternal-fetal specialist, so that you receive the best high-risk obstetrical care possible. While you may need additional support during the pregnancy, many women deemed high-risk have a completely routine labor and delivery experience.
Tips for prevention and management
No woman wants to be told she has a high-risk pregnancy. In many cases, there is nothing you can do to control the situation, but there are steps you can take to increase your chances of a healthy delivery and baby. Our doctors suggest the following to ensure optimal health for our patients and their babies.
- Take a prenatal vitamin every day once you start trying to conceive
- Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI)
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs
- See your obstetrician regularly
- Contact our office with any unusual symptoms
- Coordinate with your doctor to manage medical issues such as diabetes, depression or high blood pressure
Pregnancy is generally a time of excitement and preparation. Having a high-risk pregnancy can add another layer of worry, but with careful monitoring and management, we can put your mind at ease. Our San Antonio women’s clinic can provide the high-risk obstetrical care that you and your baby need. Contact our office to schedule an appointment.