Ask a Doctor
David B. Fox, MD
Perinatologist, Associate Medical Director
Riverside Maternal Fetal Medicine
Suite 3030
3555 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 566-4378

Q.  What is a high-risk pregnancy and what can my doctor do to help me and my baby?

A.  A pregnancy is "high-risk" if the risk of complications is higher than in most other pregnancies. The degree of this risk varies, depending on the type and number of high-risk conditions. Examples include conditions that affect both mom and fetus, or both.

Moms with twins, chronic or new-onset high blood pressure, diabetes, preterm labor and history of difficult pregnancies are all candidates for close monitoring in the current pregnancy. Fetal conditions include those with abnormal ultrasound findings, such as birth defects and growth or fluid abnormalities.

Close monitoring of a high-risk pregnancy may include frequent visits to the OB provider, ultrasounds, fetal heart rate testing and special procedures to diagnosis fetal conditions. The goal of all these tests is to improve the odds of completing a pregnancy with a healthy mom and baby. Thankfully, the vast majority of these pregnancies turn out well!