In case your pregnancy has been identified as high-risk, you’ll need prenatal care more often. We offer tests for monitoring high-risk pregnancies, such as ultrasound and lab tests. Depending on the health condition of the women with a high-risk pregnancy, the doctors at CFC Multi-specialty Hospital might advise one or more tests.

The following factors can increase the risk of a high-risk pregnancy:

• Age less than 18 or more than 35
• Being underweight or overweight
• Having low RBC count
• Having gone through the birthing process more than 4 times
• Having a previous preterm birth
• Having lost a pregnancy before
• Having a family history of genetic disease
• Having had a child with a birth defect
• Substance use
• Having twins or triplets
• Having a medical condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease

Whether you know ahead of time that you'll have a high-risk pregnancy or you simply want to do whatever you can to prevent a high-risk pregnancy, stick to the basics. For example:

• Schedule a preconception appointment. If you're thinking about becoming pregnant, consult your health care provider. Your provider might counsel you to start taking a daily prenatal vitamin with folic acid and reach a healthy weight before you become pregnant. If you have a medical condition, your treatment might be adjusted in preparation for pregnancy. Your health care provider might also discuss your risk of having a baby with a genetic condition.
• Seek regular prenatal care. Prenatal visits can help your health care provider monitor your health and your baby's health. You might be referred to a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, genetics, pediatrics or other areas.
• Avoid risky substances. If you smoke, quit. Alcohol and illegal drugs are off-limits, too. Talk to your health care provider about any medications or supplements you're taking.