High-Risk Pregnancy Care in Riverside, CA
Personalized obstetric care and closer pregnancy monitoring for women who may have medical conditions, pregnancy complications, or other factors that require additional attention during pregnancy.
Thoughtful support.
Every pregnancy is different. Your care plan can be adjusted according to your health, pregnancy history, and the needs of your baby.
What does a high-risk pregnancy mean?
A high-risk pregnancy means that a pregnant patient or developing baby has a higher-than-average chance of experiencing certain complications.
The term does not automatically mean that something will go wrong. Pregnancy risk exists on a spectrum, and the level of monitoring and care depends on the individual circumstances.
Some pregnancies are considered higher risk because of a medical condition that existed before pregnancy. Others become higher risk because of something that develops during pregnancy or because testing identifies a concern involving the baby.
When may pregnancy require additional monitoring?
Several circumstances can increase the need for specialized or more closely monitored prenatal care.
Medical Conditions
Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, or other chronic health conditions may require additional pregnancy monitoring.
Previous Pregnancy Complications
A history of preeclampsia, preterm birth, pregnancy loss, gestational diabetes, or other complications may affect care during a subsequent pregnancy.
Maternal Age
Pregnancy later in reproductive life can be associated with certain pregnancy risks and may lead your provider to recommend additional monitoring or testing.
Multiple Pregnancy
Pregnancies involving twins or more than one baby may require additional appointments, imaging, and monitoring.
Fetal Growth Concerns
If an ultrasound suggests that the baby may not be growing as expected, additional testing or monitoring may be recommended.
Pregnancy Complications
Problems that develop during pregnancy, including high blood pressure or other complications, may change the level of prenatal monitoring needed.
Comprehensive care for pregnancy-related concerns
Your pregnancy care may include monitoring for conditions that can affect your health or your baby’s development.
High Blood Pressure
Monitoring blood pressure and watching for pregnancy complications associated with hypertension.
Gestational Diabetes
Pregnancy-related changes in blood sugar may require additional testing and coordination of care.
Preeclampsia
Care may include monitoring for signs of high blood pressure and other findings associated with preeclampsia.
Preterm Birth Risk
Patients with certain risk factors or previous pregnancy complications may require closer observation.
Multiple Pregnancy
Twin and multiple pregnancies may require additional monitoring throughout pregnancy.
Fetal Growth Concerns
Ultrasound and other assessments may be used when there are concerns about fetal growth.
What high-risk pregnancy care may involve
Review Your History
Your provider reviews your medical history, previous pregnancies, medications, family history, and current pregnancy.
Identify Risk Factors
Your individual risk factors are considered to determine whether additional testing, monitoring, or specialist involvement may be appropriate.
Monitor Pregnancy
Depending on your circumstances, prenatal care may include additional visits, ultrasound examinations, laboratory testing, or fetal monitoring.
Coordinate Your Care
Some patients may benefit from care involving a maternal- fetal medicine specialist or another medical specialist.
Plan for Delivery
Your healthcare team may discuss the safest timing and location for delivery based on your health and pregnancy.
Continue Postpartum Care
Certain pregnancy complications can affect care after delivery, so postpartum follow-up remains an important part of your overall care.
Additional testing may help your care team monitor your pregnancy.
Imaging may be used to evaluate fetal growth, anatomy, and other pregnancy findings.
Laboratory testing may be recommended based on your medical history and pregnancy.
Some higher-risk pregnancies require additional assessments of fetal well-being later in pregnancy.
A maternal-fetal medicine specialist may participate in care when additional expertise is appropriate.
When maternal-fetal medicine may be involved
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are OB/GYN physicians with additional training in managing pregnancies with complex medical or obstetric concerns.
Depending on your situation, your OB/GYN may work together with an MFM specialist to evaluate risks, interpret specialized testing, and coordinate pregnancy care.
The goal is to create a coordinated plan that addresses your individual health needs and the needs of your baby.
Questions patients often ask
What is considered a high-risk pregnancy? +
A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the pregnant patient or fetus has a higher-than-average chance of complications. Risk may be related to a medical condition, pregnancy history, maternal age, multiple pregnancy, or a concern identified during pregnancy.
Does high-risk pregnancy mean something is wrong? +
Not necessarily. High-risk describes an increased level of potential risk. Some patients require additional monitoring simply because of a risk factor, and many higher-risk pregnancies result in healthy births.
What can make a pregnancy high risk? +
Factors can include certain chronic medical conditions, previous pregnancy complications, high blood pressure, diabetes, multiple pregnancy, fetal growth concerns, and other maternal or fetal conditions.
Will I need more prenatal appointments? +
You may. The frequency of prenatal visits depends on your individual health, pregnancy history, gestational age, and any complications or concerns that develop.
Will I need additional ultrasounds? +
Some patients with higher-risk pregnancies may need additional ultrasound examinations, particularly when fetal growth or another pregnancy concern needs closer evaluation.
Will I need to see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist? +
Not every patient with a high-risk pregnancy needs maternal-fetal medicine care. Your OB/GYN can determine whether consultation or co-management with an MFM specialist would be appropriate.
Can I still have a healthy baby with a high-risk pregnancy? +
A high-risk designation does not mean that a healthy pregnancy or birth is impossible. Close monitoring helps your healthcare team identify and manage potential complications as early as possible.
Is bed rest recommended for high-risk pregnancy? +
Routine bed rest is not generally recommended as a way to prevent pregnancy complications. Activity recommendations should be individualized based on your medical situation and discussed with your obstetric provider.
When should I contact my OB/GYN during pregnancy? +
Contact your pregnancy care team whenever you are concerned about a new or worsening symptom. If you experience a potentially serious or emergency symptom, seek immediate medical attention.
Can a previous complicated pregnancy affect my next pregnancy? +
Some previous pregnancy complications can increase the chance of experiencing a similar complication in a future pregnancy. Your provider can review your history and develop an appropriate monitoring plan.
Your pregnancy deserves thoughtful, individualized care.
If you have been told your pregnancy may be high risk, or you have concerns about your pregnancy history or current health, schedule an appointment to discuss your care options.
Request an Appointment → Magnolia Women Medical Center · Riverside, CaliforniaHigh-Risk Pregnancy Care in Riverside, California
Magnolia Women Medical Center provides obstetric and gynecologic care for women throughout Riverside and surrounding Inland Empire communities.
Riverside, CA 92503 951-351-1071