Potential Conditions
Sometimes, conditions develop during a pregnancy that cause complications, both for the mother as well as the baby.
High-Risk Pregnancy
A pregnancy is referred to as high risk if the mother or baby is at an increased risk for a health problem either during the pregnancy, during delivery or following the birth. The diagnosis of high-risk pregnancy may be determined when reviewing medical history or during the ultrasound at 16–19 weeks gestation.
There are many things that can place an expectant mother at high risk, and though the term may sound scary, it is actually just a way for your pregnancy to be classified to make sure special
attention is given to you throughout your pregnancy, during delivery and after the birth of your baby. Your obstetrician or midwife will be watching for any health problems that may surface in the early stages to ensure you have a successful delivery. With a high-risk pregnancy, closer monitoring will be needed, which may include more frequent visits with your obstetrician, tests to monitor the medical problem, and/or blood tests.
Conditions that may Contribute to a High-Risk Pregnancy
- Obesity or pre-pregnancy weight under 100 lbs.
- Height under 5 ft.
- Alcohol or illegal drug use
- Smoking
- Age — younger than 17 or older than 35
- Multiple pregnancy
- History of three or more miscarriages
- Your baby has been found to have a genetic condition, such as Down syndrome, or a heart, lung or kidney problem.
- Problem in a past pregnancy, such as:
- Preterm labor
- Preeclampsia or seizures (eclampsia)
- Baby with a genetic problem
In addition, some health problems can place you at high risk, such as:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease
- Epilepsy
- Heart valve problems
- Sickle cell disease
- Asthma
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
If you have a medical condition, it's important to talk with your healthcare provider before you decide to become pregnant. They can run tests, adjust medications or discuss precautions you may need to take in order to ensure the health of you and your baby.
Most patients will see only one healthcare provider during pregnancy, either an obstetrician or a midwife. However, those patients who have a medical condition may need to also see a specialist in high-risk obstetrics, called a perinatologist who practices maternal fetal medicine.
High-Risk Obstetric Team
We recognize that childbirth is a major event in the lives of mothers and their families. The high risk pregnancy team at Summa Health is prepared to guide you through your pregnancy. We provide a multidisciplinary team, including Summa Health obstetricians, maternal fetal medicine specialists from Akron Children’s, critical care specialists, cardiologists, pulmonary medicine, neurology and anesthesia to provide care and consultation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you wish to schedule an appointment or referral, contact us online or call 877.205.4788.
Treatment
Treatment of high-risk pregnancy will vary, dependent on the underlying condition and the stage of the pregnancy.
Summa Health offers the Obstetrical Ultrasound Unit, where routine and high-risk pregnancies are evaluated with special emphasis on suspected fetal abnormalities. The unit performs Level II ultrasound-guided procedures including amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS), as well as fetal therapy such as in utero fetal transfusion.
Critical illness in pregnancy is uncommon but may arise from conditions unique to pregnancy, conditions exacerbated by pregnancy and coincidental conditions.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a serious pregnancy condition often characterized by high blood pressure, swelling in your hands and face and protein in the urine. It typically occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth. Most pregnant individuals with preeclampsia have healthy babies. However, it does require physician supervision. If left untreated, it can cause serious issues for both the mother and baby
Risks
- Mother-to-Be
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Organ damage
- Death
- Baby
- Premature birth
- Placental abruption
- Low birth weight
- Death
Risk Factors
- Prior pregnancy with preeclampsia
- Pregnant with multiples
- Presence of chronic condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or lupus
- Obesity
- Age (older than 35)
- Family history of preeclampsia
Talk to your provider if you have any of these risk factors. Most individuals with mild preeclampsia are delivered by 37 weeks of pregnancy. Those with severe preeclampsia may need to stay in the hospital so your provider can monitor you and the baby. For more information, call 877.205.4788.
Placenta Previa
Placenta previa is a condition in which the placenta (the part that supplies the baby with food and oxygen through the umbilical cord) grows in the lowest part of the womb (uterus) and covers all or part of the opening to the cervix. It is generally diagnosed during an ultrasound.
If placenta previa occurs early in a pregnancy, it may resolve on its own over time as the pregnancy advances. If it persists, it can cause complications. If you have placenta previa, when the cervix begins to thin out (efface) and open up (dilate) during labor, blood vessels connecting the placenta to the uterus may tear. This can cause severe bleeding during labor and birth, putting you and your baby in danger.
Risk Factors
- Have had a C-section in the past
- Have had in vitro fertilization for infertility
- Smoke cigarettes
- Age- 35 or older
- Have been pregnant before
- Are pregnant with multiples
- Have had placenta previa in an earlier pregnancy
- Have had surgery on your internal reproductive organs
You may need to stay in the hospital so your healthcare team can closely monitor you and your baby. Nearly all people with placenta previa need a C-section. If the placenta covers all or part of the cervix, a vaginal delivery can cause severe bleeding. This can be deadly to both the mother and baby.
