HIGH RISK PREGNANCY

What Is High-Risk Pregnancy Care?

Pregnancy is perhaps the most remarkable journey in a woman’s life. But for some expectant mothers, the path to delivery can be more complex due to the presence of ‘high-risk’ factors. A mother’s age, multiple fetuses, and even certain genetic or congenital conditions can make pregnancy more challenging and riskier for many women.

The comforting news is that modern advancements in obstetric medicine now make “high-risk” pregnancies safer and more successful than ever before. Highly respected and experienced obstetrician Dr. Chadi Haddad in Dearborn Heights has helped hundreds of women carry high risk pregnancies to term – delivering healthy, happy babies.

Dr. Haddad understands the unique challenges posed by a high-risk pregnancy and is by your side as you navigate these difficulties to ensure the health and well-being of you and your baby. In this article, Dr. Haddad explains some of the different types of high-risk pregnancies, various risk factors and causes, treatment protocols, and the importance of seeking expert obstetric care if you are in a high-risk pregnancy category.

Types of High-Risk Pregnancy

“High-risk Pregnancy” is actually a very broad, catch-all term that encompasses a wide variety of conditions that require specialized medical attention and monitoring during pregnancy. And each type of high-risk pregnancy will require its own unique treatment plan, medical protocols, and monitoring.

High-Risk Pregnancy: Mom’s Age and Health

Women over 35 are at a higher risk of complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and chromosomal abnormalities. Typically any pregnancy in a woman aged 35 or greater is considered high risk – with the degree of risk increasing with the mother’s age. However, many women over the age of 35 end up having very ‘normal’ pregnancies without any additional complications or difficulties!

The mother’s health also plays a significant factor in determining the “risk” involved during pregnancy. Pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and heart conditions can pose significant risks during pregnancy.

In addition to pre-existing medical conditions, having previous high-risk pregnancies, or a history of miscarriages can increase risks.

And, the mother’s lifestyle factors, including smoking, substance abuse, poor diet, and inadequate prenatal care can elevate the risk of complications.

High-Risk Pregnancy: Multiples

Multiple gestations – carrying twins, triplets, or more – also significantly increases the complexity of pregnancy due to potential complications associated with multiple births.

Carrying more than one fetus increases the risk of preterm labor (premature babies) and other complications. Women at risk for delivering their baby before 37 weeks – whether single or multiple – require careful monitoring and interventions to prevent premature birth.

High-Risk Pregnancy: Gestational Medical Conditions

Gestational Diabetes is a condition in which high blood sugar levels develop during pregnancy – in a woman who previously did not have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This can lead to various complications for both the mother and the baby. Treatment for gestational diabetes, including blood glucose testing and insulin injections, can help keep blood glucose levels equal to those of pregnant women who don’t have gestational diabetes. Special meal plans and physical activity are also typically part of managing gestational diabetes.

Pre-eclampsia is another maternal medical condition that can develop during pregnancy. With pre-eclampsia, a woman whose blood pressure had previously been normal suddenly develops hypertension (high blood pressure) during pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia can lead to serious, even fatal, complications for both mother and baby if not treated. However, pre-eclampsia can often be successfully managed with oral or IV medications until the baby is sufficiently mature to be delivered.

Since there may be no noticeable symptoms of gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, or other maternal medical problems, regular prenatal checkups are essential!

High-Risk Pregnancy: Placenta Problems

The placenta is an organ that develops in the mother’s uterus during pregnancy. The placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus, and the baby’s umbilical cord arises from it, providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and removing waste products from the baby’s blood.

Conditions such as placenta previa (when the placenta partially or fully covers the cervix) and placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterine wall) can lead to bleeding and other complications, making a pregnancy “high risk.”

High-Risk Pregnancy: Genetic & Congenital Conditions

When a fetus shows signs of a genetic irregularity or congenital condition it can also significantly contribute to a pregnancy being in the high-risk category. This includes abnormalities in the genetic makeup of the developing fetus or structural issues in the baby’s organs or systems. Understanding these potential risks and seeking expert care from an experienced high-risk pregnancy OBGYN like Dr. Chadi Haddad in Dearborn Heights is essential for ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Genetic defects can encompass a wide range of conditions, including chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. These conditions arise due to irregularities in the number or structure of chromosomes, leading to developmental and health challenges in the affected baby. Congenital defects, on the other hand, involve structural abnormalities in organs or systems that develop during the early stages of pregnancy. These defects can impact the heart, lungs, brain, spinal cord, and more.

When genetic or congenital defects are suspected or diagnosed during pregnancy, it often necessitates specialized “high risk” medical care and interventions. Prenatal testing can provide insights into the genetic health of the fetus. These tests can help parents and healthcare providers make informed decisions about the pregnancy and plan for any necessary medical interventions or treatments.

It’s important to recognize that a high-risk pregnancy due to genetic or congenital problems doesn’t mean a lack of hope. Advances in medical technology and interventions have improved outcomes for many families facing these challenges. The key lies in early detection and ongoing care from an experienced and dedicated high-risk OBGYN like Dr. Chadi Haddad in Dearborn Heights – to ensure the best possible care for both the expectant mother and the developing baby.

Treatment for High-Risk Pregnancy

The approach to managing high-risk pregnancies is not one-size-fits all, by any means. The approach taken to ensuring the best outcomes in a high-risk pregnancy will be tailored to the specific condition(s) and needs of the mother and baby. Top Dearborn Heights high-risk OBGYN Dr. Chadi Haddad emphasizes close maternal and fetal monitoring, frequent prenatal visits, and targeted interventions when necessary.

Some high-risk pregnancies may require medication to manage symptoms and prevent complications. In certain (but not all) cases, bed rest might be recommended to reduce the risk of preterm labor or other complications. However, treatment of other high-risk pregnancies – such as those involving gestational diabetes – may include an increase in activity.

Dr. Haddad can also help patients with lifestyle modifications such as healthy diet and stress management that can help with overall health and mitigate some risk factors.

While high-risk pregnancies often require careful planning for labor and delivery to minimize risks to both mother and baby, advancements in obstetric medicine and the care of an experienced high-risk pregnancy OBGYN like Dr. Haddad can help ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

High Risk Pregnancy OBGYN | Dearborn Heights

High-risk pregnancies demand expertise, knowledge, and compassion. Dr. Chadi Haddad’s extensive experience as an OBGYN in Dearborn Heights makes him a valuable partner for expectant mothers facing high-risk pregnancy. His specialized care includes thorough assessments, advanced diagnostic testing, personalized treatment plans, and attentive monitoring throughout your pregnancy journey.

With Dr. Haddad’s guidance, patients can navigate the complexities of high-risk pregnancies with confidence, ensuring the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby. If you or a loved one are on a high-risk pregnancy journey, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chadi Haddad in Dearborn Heights and take the first step toward a safe and successful pregnancy and delivery.

High Risk Pregnancy OBGYN | Dearborn Heights: 313.561.2200