High-Risk Obstetrics
What is high-risk obstetrics?
High-risk obstetrics involve the possible medical problems or complications that arise during the course of pregnancy, putting the mother, the baby or both at risk.
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 types of tests are done during a high-risk pregnancy?
A number of different tests may be recommended to evaluate the health of the mother and the baby. Ultrasounds are commonly done several times during a high-risk pregnancy. An amniocentesis may be performed around the 15-week mark of the pregnancy. This procedure also allows for genetic testing to be completed, if desired. Other possible tests during the pregnancy can include chorionic villus sampling, cordocentesis, a biophysical profile, and a measurement of the cervical length.
All testing options and considerations will be explained to you and explored in detail with Dr. La Follette.
How often should I see a doctor during a high-risk pregnancy?
For a typical pregnancy, the expectant mother will see her OB-GYN about once a month until the third trimester. At that point, she will generally transition into visits twice per month until the 36-week mark. At 36 weeks, the visits to the OB-GYN will likely move to once a week until the time of the birth.
A high-risk pregnancy differs from others because the mom and baby need closer monitoring, meaning additional doctor visits will most likely be recommended.
Schedule an appointment in the Bay Area
Your physicians at La Follette OB-GYN & Aesthetics guide every mother on this journey differently, for each experience is as unique as every baby we welcome to the world. We are now accepting patients who live in San Francisco, the East Bay, Napa, Sonoma, Marin County & the surrounding areas.
*We do not quote aesthetic prices over the phone, and pricing is talked about at your initial consultation. An initial consultation is $250 that can be applied to treatments.