High Risk Pregnancy Services at Northside/Northpoint OB-Gyn

Our clinical teams work together with specialists in maternal fetal medicine to provide care for our patients with high-risk problems in pregnancy. These specialists can perform chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, advanced ultrasound, and Doppler flow studies.

A pregnancy may be considered a high risk pregnancy if there are any concerns related to the mother or the baby. These can include medical problems that the mother may have prior to becoming pregnant or problems that develop over the course of the pregnancy. We have a combined total of over 75 years of taking care of high risk pregnancies. Each of these pregnancy complications require an individualized plan of care. Many problems will be managed in conjunction with perinatologists, specialists in fetal and maternal problems in pregnancy.
Care For Womens With High-Risk Problems In Pregnancy

What is High Risk Pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is one in which there is an underlying condition of the mother or her fetus that adds to the complexity of the prenatal care. It demands specialized care from healthcare professionals. In these pregnancies, underlying conditions, complications that arise during the pregnancy itself, or external factors increase the chances of poor outcomes. This includes a higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and complications during labor and delivery. High-risk pregnancies require closer monitoring, advanced medical intervention, and sometimes, modifications in the routine care plan to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and child.

Identifying Factors That Contribute to High Risk for Pregnancy

Certain conditions may place you at high risk for pregnancy complications if:
  • Advanced Maternal Age: Women who are pregnant at the age of 35 or older are considered to be at a higher risk. This is due to an increased likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in the baby, as well as higher rates of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and complications during labor.
  • Young Maternal Age: Teen pregnancies, particularly those in mothers younger than 17, also carry a higher risk for both the mother and the baby, including higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight.
  • Pre existing Medical Conditions: Women with preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, and thyroid disorders are at an increased risk for pregnancy complications.
  • Obesity: Being significantly overweight before becoming pregnant can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery.
  • Previous Pregnancy Complications: A history of complications in previous pregnancies, such as preterm labor, preeclampsia, or having a baby with a genetic condition, can increase the risk in future pregnancies.
  • Multiple Pregnancy: Carrying twins, triplets, or more increases the risk of preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia.
  • Gestational Diabetes: This condition develops during pregnancy and can lead to large babies, potential delivery complications, and a higher risk of diabetes for both mother and child later in life.
  • Preeclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, often the kidneys, which can lead to serious, even fatal, complications.

Lifestyle Factors

  • Smoking, Alcohol, and Substance Use: These can significantly increase the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), preterm birth, and low birth weight.
  • Lack of Prenatal Care: Delaying or not receiving prenatal care increases the risk of undetected or unmanaged conditions that could affect the pregnancy.

Common Conditions of High-Risk Pregnancy

Our medical team is equipped with the expertise and technology to provide comprehensive care for these complex cases. Understanding the challenges and risks associated with these conditions is the first step in our approach to ensuring the health and safety of both mother and baby. Here, we detail some of the most common conditions of high-risk pregnancy:

Advanced Maternal Age:

As women choose to have children later in life, the incidence of pregnancies among those aged 35 to 50 has increased, bringing a higher risk for Down syndrome and other genetic conditions. Our clinic offers advanced, noninvasive screening techniques, including ultrasound and blood work, to accurately detect up to 99% of all Down syndrome cases in pregnancies, ensuring peace of mind and preparedness for prospective parents.

Multiple Gestation:

Pregnancies involving twins, triplets, or more introduce a higher risk of complications such as premature labor and fetal growth abnormalities. Our clinic is adept at monitoring and managing these unique challenges, providing specialized care plans to support the health and development of each baby.

Bleeding Throughout Pregnancy:

Conditions like placental abruption place you at high risk for pregnancy complications, posing risks to both the mother and the fetus. Our team is skilled in diagnosing and treating these conditions, employing careful monitoring and intervention strategies to prevent premature labor and ensure a safe pregnancy course.

Premature Rupture of the Membranes:

When the amniotic sac ruptures or leaks prematurely, it increases the risk of infection and early delivery. Our high risk pregnancy doctors are experienced in managing these situations, offering immediate and appropriate care to minimize risks for the baby and mother.

Gestational Diabetes:

Screening for gestational diabetes is a standard part of prenatal care, as uncontrolled diabetes can lead to macrosomia or accelerated fetal growth. We provide dietary counseling and manage treatment plans to control blood sugar levels, ensuring a healthy pregnancy outcome.

Hypertension Affecting Pregnancy:

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, during pregnancy can lead to inadequate fetal growth and may necessitate an early delivery. Our clinic conducts thorough testing for fetal growth and well-being, closely monitoring and managing maternal blood pressure to optimize pregnancy outcomes.

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss:

For families facing the heartache of recurrent pregnancy loss, our center offers hope through comprehensive testing and evaluation of all known causes. We provide tailored treatments and supportive care to help patients achieve a successful pregnancy.

Cervical insufficiency:

Cervical insufficiency (painless cervical dilation typically in the second trimester) may lead to pregnancy loss. This devastating condition can be treated with a procedure known as cervical cerclage. This involves placing a circumferential stitch around the cervix to prevent early dilation. Our specialists are proficient at discussing management options in these cases and can provide a referral to a high risk perinatologist to perform this procedure.

Our commitment to managing high-risk pregnancies extends beyond treating these conditions. We are dedicated to providing a supportive, understanding environment where every family can feel confident in the care they receive at our high risk pregnancy center.

MyoSure vs NovaSure

High-Risk Pregnancy Center at Northside/Northpoint OB-Gyn

Our high risk pregnancy center adopts a multifaceted approach to care, designed to meet the unique needs of each pregnancy we manage. Here, we outline some of the key elements that guide our approach:
At our high risk pregnancy center, we understand that each pregnancy is unique, especially when it comes to high-risk conditions. Our approach is to develop individualized care and monitoring plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient. By doing so, we can address the particular risks and challenges of your high risk pregnancy with precision and compassion. Our high risk pregnancy doctors work closely with patients to ensure that every aspect of their care plan is understood and agreed upon, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.
The complexity of high-risk pregnancies often requires the expertise of specialists across different fields. Our center prides itself on its multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including obstetricians, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, nutritionists, and nurses, all experienced in high risk pregnancy care. This collaborative approach ensures comprehensive care for both mother and baby, with seamless coordination between different specialists to manage every facet of the pregnancy effectively.
Staying at the forefront of medical technology is a key component of our approach to high risk pregnancy care. Our center is equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies, enabling us to detect and manage complications with the highest level of accuracy and efficiency. From cutting-edge ultrasound machines to noninvasive genetic testing and fetal monitoring systems, our high risk pregnancy doctors utilize these advanced tools to provide the best possible outcomes for you and your baby.

Northside/Northpoint Services Offered for High-Risk Pregnancy

When complications occur during a pregnancy, you’re in good hands at Northside/Northpoint OB-Gyn. Our team approach – utilizing the decades of combined experience of our high risk pregnancy doctors, obstetricians, gynecologists and certified nurse practioners – is the foundation of our services. Here are a few of the many ways we help patients manage high-risk pregnancies:

Preconception Counseling and Planning

For those planning to become pregnant, our team provides preconception counseling to identify any potential risks or concerns and develop a plan for a healthy pregnancy. This may involve discussing medical history, lifestyle factors, and any previous pregnancy complications to determine the best course of action for a successful pregnancy.

Genetic Counseling and Testing

Genetic counseling and testing can help identify potential genetic disorders or birth defects, allowing for early intervention and management. Our high risk pregnancy doctors are experienced in providing genetic counseling and coordinating with appropriate specialists to provide the best care for our patients.

High-Risk Pregnancy Consultations

Our team of specialists in high-risk pregnancy offers comprehensive consultations tailored to patients with preexisting medical conditions or additional factors that might complicate their pregnancies. Through these consultations, we meticulously evaluate your unique risk factors and devise a personalized care plan to address your specific needs.

Nutritional Counseling

Proper nutrition is vital for a healthy pregnancy, especially for those at high risk. Our center offers nutritional counseling services to ensure that you receive the appropriate nutrients and dietary guidance to support a safe pregnancy course.

Maternal Medical Conditions

We provide expert care and guidance for expectant mothers with medical conditions that may affect their pregnancy. Our approach is to closely monitor these conditions to minimize risks and ensure the best outcomes for both mother and baby.

Labor and Delivery Management

When it’s time for delivery, our expert team will be by your side to provide personalized care and support. We closely monitor both mother and baby throughout the labor and delivery process, utilizing the latest technologies to ensure a safe and successful birth.

Postpartum Care

Our services don’t end after delivery – we also offer postpartum care for both mother and baby. This includes monitoring for any postpartum complications and providing support for breastfeeding, recovery, and overall well-being. Our team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition into motherhood for our high-risk pregnancy patients.

Schedule Your Appointment with Our High-Risk Pregnancy Doctor

For those navigating the complexities of a high risk pregnancy, our team of expert high risk pregnancy doctors are here to provide expert care and guidance. To arrange a consultation and begin your tailored care journey, we invite you to contact our main office directly at (404) 255-3633.

Alternatively, for added convenience, you can schedule your visit through our online “Request an Appointment” form. Our dedicated staff is committed to offering the support and medical expertise necessary to manage your high risk pregnancy with the utmost care.

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