High-Risk Pregnancy Consultation

What makes a pregnancy "high-risk"?

A pregnancy might be considered high-risk due to a variety of factors. You may be placed in a high-risk category if you:

• Are age 17 or younger, or age 35 or older

• Were underweight or obese (BMI > 30) before becoming pregnant

• Are a first-time mother or conceived via IVF

• Are pregnant with twins, triplets, or other multiples

• Have an underlying medical condition such as hypertension, diabetes, renal disorders, a thyroid condition, depression, or an autoimmune disorder like lupus

• Had problems with a previous pregnancy, including premature labor or a prior history of preeclampsia

• Have a history of a child with a genetic problem or birth defect

Can a normal pregnancy become high-risk?

Yes. It is entirely possible to begin a normal pregnancy and develop conditions later on that put you into the high-risk category. Examples of high-risk conditions that may develop during pregnancy include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, cholestasis of pregnancy, fetal growth irregularities, and unexpected bleeding. Regardless of what causes your pregnancy to become high-risk, we have a large team dedicated to developing and implementing a customized plan to support you.

What is preeclampsia?

Hypertensive diseases of pregnancy include gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and eclampsia. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that occurs only during pregnancy and the postpartum period, affecting at least 5% to 8% of all pregnancies. It is a rapidly progressive condition characterized by high blood pressure, typically accompanied by protein in the urine. Because it can restrict blood flow and affect maternal organs, it requires expert management to prevent serious complications such as brain injury, impairment of kidney and liver function, pulmonary edema (fluid on the lungs), seizures, and in severe or untreated cases, maternal or infant death.

What are the signs of preeclampsia, and how is it diagnosed?

Preeclampsia is diagnosed by persistent high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy or the postpartum period, associated with high levels of protein in the urine or the new development of decreased blood platelets, kidney or liver trouble, fluid in the lungs, or neurological signs. Important symptoms that warrant immediate evaluation include:

• Severe headaches or confusion

• Abdominal pain (often burning behind the sternum)

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea and vomiting

• A heightened state of anxiety

• Visual disturbances (oversensitivity to light, seeing flashing spots, or auras)

How is preeclampsia treated or managed?

Many factors guide our management plan, including the gestational age of the baby, the overall health of the mother, and how the disease is progressing. If you have significant risk factors early on, our physicians may recommend a daily low-dose aspirin protocol to help lower your risk of developing the condition. Once diagnosed, if the pregnancy is less than 37 weeks, we carefully monitor blood pressure, maternal organ function, and fetal growth to safely gain more time in the womb. However, if the pregnancy is at 37 weeks or later, or if the baby is scoring poorly on tests, early delivery may be required. In severe cases with dangerously high blood pressure (160/110 or higher) or impending seizures, patients may be treated with antihypertensive drugs and magnesium sulfate to protect maternal health and ensure the baby's survival.

What is the long-term impact of preeclampsia?

Research shows that women who have had preeclampsia have three to four times the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life, double the risk for heart disease and stroke, and an increased risk of developing diabetes. While this may seem daunting, for many women, a complicated pregnancy serves as an early warning sign. This “heads up” provides a powerful opportunity to make lifestyle and health changes now for a healthier tomorrow, allowing you to proactively protect your heart health and that of your family.

What special care do I need if I am pregnant with twins, triplets, or multiples?

Expecting multiples is a unique and exciting experience, but it demands more of you physically and emotionally. Multiple pregnancies increase maternal risks for gestational diabetes, anemia, hypertension/preeclampsia, and early birth. For the babies, there is a greater risk of miscarriage, birth defects, growth restriction, and conditions like twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). Additionally, IVF technology—which increases the likelihood of multiples—is associated with risks like placenta abnormalities. To ensure a healthy outcome, our MFM physicians will schedule more frequent check-ups and advanced ultrasound tests. We also work with multidisciplinary medical centers prepared for the complexities of delivering multiples.

How does Desert Perinatal Associates support patients with a history of stillbirth or late pregnancy loss?

Experiencing a stillbirth or fetal demise is a devastating tragedy, and our expert perinatal specialists are here to offer compassionate, comprehensive support. If you have experienced a previous loss, the chance of having a recurring stillbirth is very low (less than 1%). Our team takes extra steps to protect you in future pregnancies through preconception checkups, specialized testing, and customized treatment plans to give you the healthiest possible start.

Partner With High-Risk Pregnancy Experts

Finding out your pregnancy is high-risk can be daunting, but with the right monitoring and expert care, the vast majority of high-risk pregnancies result in healthy mothers and healthy babies. The dedicated maternal-fetal medicine specialists at Desert Perinatal Associates are here to guide you through every step of your journey with compassion and advanced medical expertise. Contact our Las Vegas or Henderson offices today to schedule your high-risk consultation.