High-Risk Pregnancy

High-Risk Pregnancy

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

High-risk pregnancy is when an expectant mother develops medical issues or complications over the course of a pregnancy that can put both mother and child at risk. High-risk pregnancies are usually divided into three main categories: pre-existing condition, problems during pregnancy, and pregnancy related problems. The last two sound very similar, but will be further explained below. In order to better serve patients within his specialty, Dr. Douglas Waterman only treats expectant mothers experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. In many cases Dr. Waterman will follow the patient along with the patient’s midwife or family doctor obstetrical care provider, an arrangement known as shared care.

Who can have a high-risk pregnancy?

Anyone can have a high-risk pregnancy, but certain women may be more likely than others.

High-risk considerations:

  • Moms who are of advanced maternal age (specifically 35 years or older)
  • Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets or more)
  • Additional conditions that may lead to high-risk categorization:
  • High blood pressure
  • PCOS
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Thyroid disease
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Obesity
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Smokers

What is a pre-existing condition when it comes to pregnancy?

Pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes will most likely need extra care and monitoring during a pregnancy. Other pre-existing conditions, less common but equally as important are certain infectious and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Waterman will evaluate the patient’s condition and closely oversee the mother’s treatment plan and pregnancy progression, noting any worthwhile changes and altering her treatment plan if necessary. Often these patients will have shared care with a midwife or family doctor.

What are problems arising during pregnancy?

Gestational diabetes and high-blood pressure can commonly arise during pregnancy. If one of these pregnancy-specific issues occurs, Dr. Waterman will closely evaluate the condition and provide a treatment plan to monitor and stabilize the patient’s condition. Other problems arising during pregnancy include premature uterine contractions and premature labor, or shortening of the cervix, and preterm ruptured membranes.

What are pregnancy related problems?

Pregnancy related problems are focused on the development of the baby rather than the mother. If the expectant mother is experiencing any fetal problems, including structural anomalies and growth abnormalities, Dr. Waterman will work with other high risk obstetrics specialists as required create a prenatal plan to carefully monitor the development of the baby through all stages of the pregnancy. In most cases Dr. Waterman will follow the patient along with the patient’s midwife or family doctor obstetrical care provider.

Does Dr. Waterman accept new obstetric patients that are not high risk?

No, Dr. Waterman’s practice is limited to referred patients that are high-risk only. We accept referrals from family physicians and midwives.

*Individual results may vary; not a guarantee