Protecting you and baby
Get comprehensive prenatal services for a safe, healthy pregnancy with high risk factors.
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Several conditions can complicate pregnancy and delivery. Yet, with proper monitoring and treatment, you can still have a healthy, happy baby and a healthy, happy you. Almara physicians specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of high-risk conditions to bring you to the fullest term and safest delivery possible. For the highest level of care, we make referrals to our Edina Maternal Fetal practice.
Hypertension in pregnancy can raise the risk for complications like preeclampsia or growth issues. High-risk care includes frequent monitoring, medication when needed, and early planning for delivery. Keeping blood pressure stable protects both you and your baby throughout each trimester.
Conditions like Type 1 or 2 diabetes, thyroid disorders, or autoimmune diseases may complicate pregnancy. Specialized care ensures these are closely monitored and managed to prevent complications. Regular labs, medication adjustments, and coordinated care help maintain balance and reduce risks.
Autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can impact pregnancy differently. Some flares improve; others worsen. Specialized care includes regular monitoring, medication review, and coordination with specialists to reduce risks for both the parent and the developing baby.
Some STDs can affect pregnancy and birth outcomes if untreated. Early screening and the use of appropriate medication help prevent transmission and manage symptoms. Continued care ensures both parent and baby stay safe, especially if infections are chronic or newly detected during pregnancy.
Chronic organ conditions can increase pregnancy-related risks. Care may include more frequent visits, lab monitoring, and coordination with specialists. Ensuring organ function stays stable supports a safer pregnancy, and helps plan for delivery in a setting equipped for both maternal and neonatal care.
This form of diabetes develops during pregnancy and requires close management. Monitoring includes regular glucose checks, dietary adjustments, and, if necessary, medication. Keeping blood sugar in check helps reduce the risks of high birth weight, C-section, and future diabetes in both parent and child.
Preeclampsia is a serious condition involving high blood pressure and signs of organ stress. It may appear after 20 weeks and progress rapidly. Monitoring includes blood pressure, urine tests, and fetal assessments. Management may involve medication, bed rest, or early delivery if necessary.
Placenta previa occurs when the placenta covers part or all of the cervix. It can cause bleeding and may affect delivery planning. Monitoring involves ultrasounds and activity modification. In many cases, a C-section is recommended to ensure a safe delivery.
If a baby is measuring small for gestational age, extra attention helps identify causes, from placental function to maternal health. Growth scans, Doppler studies, and fetal monitoring guide decisions around timing and delivery to support the safest outcomes possible.
Heart issues may be detected through routine or targeted ultrasound. Follow-up includes fetal echocardiography and consultations with pediatric cardiology. Understanding the condition early allows for coordinated care during pregnancy, delivery, and the newborn period, especially if surgery is needed soon after birth.
Testing can include screening for chromosomal abnormalities or specific inherited conditions. Options include noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT), chorionic villus sampling (CVS), or amniocentesis. These tests provide valuable insight, helping guide decisions with clarity, whether the results are reassuring or need further exploration.
Additional testing may be used to track hormone levels, kidney function, or signs of infection. These help identify potential concerns before they escalate and are especially helpful for pregnancies affected by preexisting conditions. Monitoring helps tailor care based on your body’s changing needs.
Additional ultrasounds may be needed to monitor fetal growth, assess amniotic fluid levels, or evaluate blood flow through the placenta and umbilical cord. These noninvasive checks help confirm that the baby is growing appropriately and responding well as pregnancy progresses.
Monitoring tracks how your baby’s heart rate responds to movement or contractions. This may be done in the third trimester or during labor. It helps evaluate fetal well-being and can guide decisions if patterns suggest stress or the need for intervention.
Preterm labor occurs when contractions begin before 37 weeks of gestation. Early signs include cramping, backache, or pressure. Treatment may involve bed rest, medications to slow labor, or steroid injections to support fetal lung development. Early attention can delay birth and improve outcomes.
Cesarean birth may be planned or necessary due to health conditions, fetal position, or complications during labor. The procedure is surgical but typically safe, with a longer recovery than vaginal birth. High-risk pregnancies often involve delivery planning to reduce stress and improve safety.
High-risk pregnancies often require more targeted ultrasounds to monitor complications. These can include biophysical profiles or Doppler studies. Ultrasound provides real-time reassurance and helps identify when further steps, such as delivery or intervention, may be necessary.
Ongoing lab tests track everything from anemia and blood sugar levels to kidney and liver function. These tests are key in high-risk care, helping detect subtle shifts before symptoms appear. Frequent lab work may feel repetitive, but it ensures safe, responsive care for both parent and baby.
~ Tess
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Almara Women’s Health is an independent practice that is owned and operated by physicians. This gives us the ability to build a more comprehensive and personalized health care delivery system specifically around the needs of women. Learn more about how to get a personalized, evidence-based, and comprehensive approach for your life and longevity.
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Sometimes, during pregnancy, complications occur that may impact the health and safety of you and/or your baby if not monitored and treated closely. While complications can arise at any time, some pre-existing conditions can increase the chance of complications. In this case, your pregnancy becomes classified as high-risk, and you will need extra support to have a safe, healthy delivery and recovery.
The following conditions may classify your pregnancy as high-risk:
There are also several conditions that can develop during the course of your pregnancy can that can also put you in the high-risk category:
Twins and triplets as well as pregnancies over the age of 35, will place you into the high-risk category.
High-risk pregnancies require diligent monitoring:
Depending on your condition, your physician may prescribe medications, recommend specific interventions, or suggest lifestyle changes, such as bed rest or dietary restrictions. C-sections are options for some pregnancies and care will continue into the postnatal period.
Almara Women’s Health is a collaboration of physician-owned practices building leading-edge health care for women of all ages and experiences. With whole life care that spans from routine check ups to specialty programs and surgeries, Almara is building better healthcare for women.
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