When is a pregnancy high-risk?
A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy in which your health and your baby's health could potentially be in danger. There are a number of factors that may categorize your pregnancy as high-risk, including:
- Age over 35, if it's your first pregnancy
- Multiple babies in the same pregnancy (twins, triplets, or more babies)
- Preexisting health conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
- Pregnancy conditions such as gestational diabetes, hyperemesis gravidarum, or preeclampsia
Many other factors may contribute to pregnancy risk as well. Your Georgia Center for Women physician works with you closely if you need high-risk pregnancy care to help you have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
Do I need prenatal genetic counseling?
Your doctor may recommend genetic counseling, which includes prenatal counseling about genetic conditions and testing for those conditions, if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
Genetic counseling may also be indicated if you have an abnormal ultrasound or blood test results if you have a family history of genetic disease, or for many other possible reasons.
How often should I visit the doctor during pregnancy?
Your pregnancy checkups should happen at specific intervals recommended by your doctor. For normal pregnancy care, your visits may be as follows.
- Once a month until 28 weeks
- Twice a month from 28-36 weeks
- Once a week from 36 weeks until delivery
High-risk pregnancy patients need to see the doctor more often. Your Georgia Center for Women doctor will give you a specific high-risk pregnancy schedule, but in general, expect to see the doctor roughly twice as often as you would in a normal healthy pregnancy.
What happens during my pregnancy appointments?
During your first visit, you'll have a complete physical examination. You'll also have blood tests and your doctor will estimate your due date. You'll discuss your pregnancy and your history with the doctor in detail.
In the monthly or weekly visits, you won't typically have a full physical exam. Your doctor checks your weight and blood pressure and also checks your baby's heart rate and measures your baby's growth.
You'll have at least one ultrasound during your pregnancy, possibly several based on your needs. You can learn your baby's sex during the first trimester at Georgia Center for Women, allowing you to jump-start preparations for your baby.
Book your pregnancy appointment at Georgia Center for Women today. Book online or over the phone.
