The Role of Obstetrics in High-Risk Pregnancies

Obstetrics and gynecology are medical specialties that focus on female reproductive health. While gynecology covers general reproductive health from puberty to menopause, obstetrics is specifically concerned with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Obstetricians are physicians trained to manage all aspects of pregnancy, including those identified as high-risk, to support the health of both the mother and the baby. Here’s information on obstetrics care during high-risk pregnancies:

What Is a High-risk Pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the mother, the fetus, or both have an increased chance of health complications during pregnancy or after delivery. High-risk pregnancies require special monitoring and specific obstetric care. A healthcare provider will classify a pregnancy as high-risk based on a range of factors, and this classification helps tailor the care plan to individual needs.

What Is Obstetric Care?

Obstetrics encompasses the full spectrum of medical support before, during, and after childbirth. It involves regular check-ups to monitor the mother’s and the developing fetus’s health, and includes prenatal screenings and diagnostic tests. Obstetricians manage labor and delivery, and they are trained to handle emergencies that may arise during this process. After the baby is born, obstetric care continues with postpartum support as the mother recovers.

What Conditions Require High-risk Care?

Various pre-existing conditions or issues that arise during pregnancy can necessitate high-risk care. Maternal age, particularly for mothers younger than 17 or older than 35, can be a factor. Pregnancy-related health issues, such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, also lead to a high-risk classification.

Pregnancies involving more than one fetus (twins, triplets, or more) are classified as high-risk due to the increased demands on the mother’s body and a higher likelihood of premature labor. Some other pre-existing medical conditions that often require specialized management during pregnancy are:

High Blood Pressure
Diabetes
Autoimmune Diseases
Kidney Disease
Thyroid Disorders

How Do Obstetricians Support High-risk Pregnancies?

Obstetricians who specialize in high-risk pregnancies, also known as maternal-fetal medicine specialists, provide an advanced level of care. They work closely with the expectant mother to create a detailed management plan tailored to her specific health needs. This may involve more frequent prenatal visits to monitor conditions closely and specialized testing to assess fetal well-being. These specialists coordinate with other medical professionals, like cardiologists or endocrinologists, to manage the mother’s underlying health conditions. An obstetrician’s goal is to anticipate potential complications and develop strategies to address them promptly should they arise.

What Is Included In High-risk Pregnancy Care?

Care for a high-risk pregnancy is comprehensive and may include more frequent and detailed ultrasounds to track fetal growth and development. Regular monitoring of the mother’s health is a key component, so high-risk care may involve frequent blood pressure checks or blood glucose monitoring. Blood and urine tests are also performed more frequently to monitor for health changes and screen for fetal genetic conditions.

Some other standard noninvasive tests used to track fetal and placental development include:

Nonstress Test: This test monitors fetal reaction times and heart rate.
Biophysical Profile: Performed after 32 weeks of pregnancy, this test evaluates many detailed aspects of fetal growth.

In some cases, a high-risk care plan will recommend lifestyle modifications, like changes in diet or activity levels. The obstetric team provides continuous guidance and support, and they help the expectant mother understand her condition and care plan.

Learn More About Obstetrics

An obstetrician provides key medical expertise and support throughout pregnancy and childbirth. For those with health factors that could lead to a high-risk pregnancy, an obstetrician’s role becomes fundamental for ongoing care. Contact an obstetrician for personalized information about your pregnancy. Make an obstetrics appointment today.