A high-risk pregnancy means there are factors — either from your health, your baby’s health, or your pregnancy history — that require extra attention and monitoring. While the term can sound intimidating, advances in prenatal care and support mean most high-risk pregnancies result in healthy outcomes for both parent and baby.

What Makes a Pregnancy High-Risk?

Several factors can contribute to a pregnancy being classified as high-risk:

• Pregnancy over the age of 35: Being 35 or older at the time of delivery (advanced maternal age) can increase the risk of complications for both parent and baby. Your doctor or midwife may recommend additional tests or monitoring, such as targeted ultrasounds or genetic screening, to help manage these risks.


• Expecting Multiples: Carrying twins, triplets, or more increases the risk of preterm labor and other complications. Extra monitoring and specialized care are often needed.


• Previous Pregnancy Complications: A history of miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth-weight babies, cesarean sections, or other complications may mean closer observation this time around.


• Preexisting Health Conditions: Chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, heart disease, blood disorders (such as anemia or sickle cell disease), or a family history of genetic conditions can affect your pregnancy and may require adjustments to your care plan. Being severely overweight, having certain infections, or developing pregnancy-specific conditions (like preeclampsia) can also increase risk.

Always continue prescribed medications unless your doctor or midwife advises otherwise.

How Will Your Care Be Different?

The American Pregnancy Association says that high-risk pregnancy care means you will receive some extra care to support your pregnancy and delivery. It’s important to share your diagnosis of a high-risk pregnancy with your healthcare doctors so they can be prepared to manage your care:

• More Frequent Prenatal Visits: Closer monitoring helps catch and address any issues early. Don’t skip appointments, and keep your care team informed of any new symptoms.


• Specialized Testing: You may need additional ultrasounds, urine tests, amniocentesis, or fetal heart rate monitoring to track your baby’s development and your health.


• Referrals to Specialists: You might see a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) doctor, also known as a perinatologist, who specializes in high-risk pregnancies. They’ll work closely with your OB/GYN to coordinate your care.

Bed Rest or Hospital Monitoring

In some cases — such as with preeclampsia, cervical changes, or preterm labor — your doctor or midwife may recommend bed rest at home or in the hospital to help prolong your pregnancy and reduce risks.

What Does Bed Rest Mean?

Bed rest with close monitoring in the hospital may be prescribed for any number of reasons, including:

• Pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (preeclampsia)
• Cervical changes
• Carrying multiple babies
• Premature labor
• A history of premature birth or pregnancy loss

In all cases, bed rest may help increase the probability of you staying on a healthy pregnancy course.

Coping with Bed Rest in the Hospital

Bed rest can be challenging, but there are ways to make it more manageable:

• Create a Comfortable Space: Bring familiar items from home, like a favorite pillow or blanket, and decorate your room with photos or mementos.


• Stay Connected: Keep in touch with friends and family through visits, calls, or messages. A strong support system can make a big difference.


• Focus on Self-Care: Use this time to rest, plan for your baby, and care for your emotional well-being. Consider journaling, reading, or learning relaxation techniques.


• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your care team with questions or concerns. They’re there to support you.

Join the Texas Health Moms Facebook Group. Nobody knows what you are going through like other moms who have been there or moms-to-be.

Tips for Navigating a High-Risk Pregnancy

• Communicate Openly: Share your full medical history and any new symptoms with your doctors or midwife.


• Follow Your Care Plan: Take medications as prescribed, attend all appointments, and follow activity or dietary recommendations.


• Monitor Your Health: Keep track of your symptoms and report anything unusual, such as severe headaches, vision changes, swelling, pain, or bleeding.


• Take Care of Your Mental Health: High-risk pregnancies can be stressful. Seek support from loved ones, counselors, or support groups if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed.


• Prepare for Delivery: Work with your care team to develop a birth plan that accounts for your unique needs and preferences.

When to Call Your Doctor or Midwife

Contact your doctor or midwife right away if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Heavy bleeding or fluid leakage
• Severe headaches, vision changes, or sudden swelling
• Decreased fetal movement
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting

Final Thoughts

A high-risk pregnancy means you’ll receive extra care and attention to help ensure the best possible outcome for you and your baby. Advances in prenatal testing and specialized care mean that most high-risk pregnancies have positive results. Stay informed, follow your care plan, and lean on your support system — you’re not alone on this journey.