High-Risk Pregnancy

Whether you're a first-time mom or on your second set of twins, learning that you may be at high-risk for complications during pregnancy isn’t something that’s easy to hear. A high-risk pregnancy means the health of the mother or her baby may be at an increased risk before, during, or after delivery. This can result from chronic illness or pre-existing health conditions and can even develop in the middle of a pregnancy that started off under normal conditions.

Being at high-risk doesn’t always equate to an extremely challenging or problematic pregnancy. It does, however, mean that both mom and baby will require extra attention and close monitoring through prenatal care. Most cases are manageable, but in more severe situations, can be potentially life-threatening. This can be scary and quite stressful as a mother faces the realities of a high-risk term, but with proper care, preventive methods, and comprehension of risk factors, you and your obstetrician can partner together to ensure the healthy delivery of your newest family member.

Risk Factors

There can be many reasons behind being at high-risk, some occurring due to previous medical conditions, and others occurring due to lifestyle decisions made during pregnancy. In any case, understanding the risks at an early stage can prepare you with the right information to navigate through your terms in a manner that is healthy and safe for both of you. Factors contributing to a high-risk pregnancy include:

  • Maternal age – Risk of complications during pregnancy increase under the age of 17 and after the age of 35.
  • Medical conditions – Chronic illnesses like kidney disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes can develop before or during pregnancy and make things more difficult.
  • Depression – Your mental health is always important to your overall wellbeing and a pregnancy in itself can exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
  • Multiple births – Previous premature births or carrying more than one fetus puts a strain on your body, possibly increasing risk of preeclampsia or premature births.
  • HIV/AIDS – HIV or AIDS can be inherited by your baby all the way through breastfeeding, but with the advanced medications available today, risk can be significantly reduced.
  • Lupus – Lupus raises the risk of complications, like hypertension and preterm birth, but it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy if the condition is under control beforehand to reduce flaring up.

High Risk Pregnancy Doctors in Palatine, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Barrington & Bartlett, IL

High-risk pregnancies don’t have to be met with excessive worry and fear. Especially when you have a team behind you at Women’s HealthFirst. We can address your concerns and make you feel comfortable and secure through your pregnancy to help you deliver a healthy baby. Give us a call at (847) 808-8884 or request your appointment now. We have five locations near Chicago, Illinois, to serve you. Established patients are encouraged to visit the convenient online patient portal to request an appointment, message our team, update their records, and more.