Understanding a High-Risk Pregnancy

If you have a preexisting medical condition, you might know you have a chance of a high-risk pregnancy from the beginning. Or, our pregnancy might become high risk partway through gestation when other factors start to arise.

No matter why your pregnancy is high-risk, our OB/GYN Dr. Leonardo Longoria of Longoria OBGYN in El Paso, Texas, can support your throughout every month of gestation. Here’s what Dr. Longoria wants his new and existing patients to know about getting through a high-risk pregnancy with healthy outcomes for all.

Why could a pregnancy be high risk?

Lots of factors can contribute to a pregnancy being deemed high risk. Pregnancy risks for mothers over the age of 35 are higher across the board. If you’re carrying twins or higher order multiples, your pregnancy is considered high risk. And, if you’ve had pregnancy-related hypertension or gestational diabetes in the past, you may be more likely to experience a subsequent high-risk pregnancy.

If you have certain types of chronic health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or epilepsy, your pregnancy may also be higher risk. 

Lifestyle choices and personal factors can contribute to a high-risk pregnancy, as well. Smoking, drug use, and drinking alcohol increase the risks associated with pregnancy.

Sometimes complications appear partway through a pregnancy.For example, if your baby isn’t growing properly or you have abnormal placental positioning, the rest of your pregnancy becomes more high risk.

Expert OB/GYN care for you and your baby

With the excellent, compassionate care available at Longoria OBGYN, you can rest easier during a high-risk pregnancy. Dr. Longoria and his team are always av, if necessary.

During your high-risk pregnancy, call our office right away if you have:

• vaginal bleeding or discharge
• pain or cramping in your lower abdomen
• fever or chills
• persistent nausea, vomiting, or dizziness
• thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

If your pregnancy is high risk, you need to come in for more frequent appointments with Dr. Longoria. 

In addition to regular exams and ultrasound testing, Dr. Longoria may recommend that mothers dealing with high-risk pregnancies receive other testing. Depending on your specific situation, this could include:

• Testing for urinary tract infections and STDs like syphilis or HIV
• Targeted ultrasounds to check on fetal development throughout your pregnancy, or ultrasounds to measure cervical length and screen for preterm labor
• Genetic screening options like prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening, amniocentesis, or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

Some prenatal tests, including amniocentesis, carry a slight risk of miscarriage. Dr. Longoria works with you to make the best decisions for your health and that of your baby.

If you’re facing a high-risk pregnancy, know that you’re not alone. Dr. Longoria provides expert support and care through every step of the pregnancy and labor and delivery process. You can schedule an appointment at Longoria OBGYN online, or give us a call today to book.