Obstetrics High Risk Pregnancy
Dr Peter specialises in high risk pregnancies. He has completed advanced training in high-risk obstetrics to support you through a high risk pregnancy with confidence.
A high-risk pregnancy can be a complex and emotionally challenging experience which requires diligent monitoring of any potential concerns or issues detected in the early stages of your pregnancy, and effective strategies implemented to overcome these obstacles.
These risks can be associated with either the mother’s health or the well-being of the developing baby. If you’re facing a high-risk pregnancy, you or your baby could be more susceptible to health complications before, during, or after delivery. However, with Dr Peter as your Obstetrician, you are never alone for the journey.
How is a High Risk Pregnancy Categorized?
A high-risk pregnancy refers to a condition where a woman faces increased potential for complications throughout the course of her pregnancy.
Pregnancy with complications requires essential additional obstetric care to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby.
Pregnancies deemed as high-risk include factors such as:
Maternal Health Conditions: Autoimmune disorders, thrombophilia, kidney issues, heart conditions, lung problems, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal concerns.
Multiple Pregnancy: If you’re expecting twins or triplets or quintuplets.
Past Pregnancy Complications: Experiencing prematurity, cervical issues, pre-eclampsia, or high blood pressure in previous pregnancies.
Fetal Abnormalities and Birth Defects: Discovering any abnormalities or birth defects in your baby can make the pregnancy journey feel even more significant.
Recurrent Miscarriage and Fetal Loss: If you’ve faced the heartache of recurrent miscarriages or fetal loss, it can understandably make this pregnancy emotionally challenging.
Maternal factors: Including your age, weight and or height.
High Risk Pregnancy FAQ
How often will I need check-ups for a high-risk pregnancy?
High-risk pregnancies require more frequent monitoring. This may include additional ultrasounds, blood tests, and specialist consultations throughout the pregnancy to ensure the health of you and your baby.
What age is high risk for pregnancy?
Pregnancies are typically considered higher risk after the age of 38 due to the increased pregnancy-related risks they may encounter. However, individual circumstances can differ, highlighting the importance of seeking personalised guidance from your obstetrician.
Are all twin pregnancies high-risk?
Being pregnant with multiples doesn’t automatically guarantee a high-risk pregnancy. Nonetheless, women expecting multiples do face an increased likelihood of encountering challenges like high blood pressure and preterm labour. For this reason, multiple pregnancies are generally categorised as high-risk.
Will all my future pregnancies be high-risk?
Experiencing a high-risk pregnancy in one instance does not necessarily guarantee that your next pregnancy will also be deemed high-risk. Each pregnancy is unique and influenced by various factors, including your health and medical history.
Do high-risk pregnancies deliver early?
While high-risk pregnancies can increase the likelihood of early delivery, it’s important to note that this is not always the case. When your pregnancy is categorised as high-risk, the specific complications you may be facing could potentially elevate the probability of preterm delivery.
