High Risk Pregnancy Specialist

The team of board-certified OB-GYNs at OB-GYN North Dallas can diagnose and treat health conditions associated with high-risk pregnancies and difficult childbirths. They're able to evaluate the health of the mother and the unborn child and take the necessary measures to protect them from various complications. OB-GYN North Dallas encourages patients living in the Plano and Celina areas of Texas to visit the office if they have any questions or concerns about the pregnancy, or if they want to find out if they may be considered high risk.

What constitutes a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy involves any health issues that may put the mother or child at risk. Patients who have extremely high blood pressure during pregnancy must be closely monitored, and the same is true for those who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Patients who smoke, consume alcohol, or are HIV positive may also be considered high risk. Multiple miscarriages, infertility, and other reproductive health concerns may also be high-risk flags for expecting mothers.

If the ultrasound shows any type of abnormality on behalf of the fetus, your provider will closely monitor the health of both the mother and the child to ensure both remain healthy throughout the rest of the pregnancy.

What measures are taken to protect the mother and child during a high-risk pregnancy?

Your provider can take a variety of measures on behalf of the mother and child to ensure a safe and uneventful pregnancy. If they determine there’s a high level of risk, they will evaluate the risk and implement all the necessary measures.

If gestational diabetes is the problem, your provider may recommend the use of insulin in addition to dietary changes that help to bring the mother's blood glucose levels under control. With hypertension or a past history of miscarriage, they may recommend limited activity or even bed rest if the condition is severe enough. Prenatal visits may be scheduled on a bi-weekly basis to allow for better monitoring of the patient's health.

When is a C-section recommended?

A Cesarean section is normally recommended when the health of the mother or child is jeopardized in some way. For example, your provider may opt for a C-section if:

• The birth canal is too small
• Some health condition is adversely affecting the child
• The child’s position reduces blood flow to the placenta
• The child may not get enough oxygen as they move through the birth canal
• The child hasn’t turned or isn’t in a breaching position