Expert Help for High-Risk Pregnancy in Southern California
A high-risk pregnancy is when the mother, child, or both are at increased risk for medical complications. Some high-risk pregnancies progress smoothly, with neither mother nor child experiencing any problems, while some involve serious health threats.
At Dignity Health Southern California hospitals, our specialized team of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are dedicated to providing the highest quality care from the moment you are pregnant to the birth of your child. We specialize in high-risk pregnancies in Southern California, and offer exceptional care at our neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) throughout the region.
Find a Doctor online to schedule an appointment at one of our birth centers.
Symptoms of High-Risk Pregnancy
The signs and symptoms of high-risk pregnancy depend on the underlying causes of high-risk pregnancy. Common symptoms include:
- Abnormal fetal growth
- Elevated blood glucose (blood sugar)
- Elevated blood pressure
Causes of High-Risk Pregnancy
Risk factors for pregnancy complications are:
- Age older than 35 (especially first-time mothers) and teenagers
- Drug and alcohol use
- Smoking
- Conditions including diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus or obesity, epilepsy, HIV, and anemia
Other factors that raise the risk of complications include:
- Multiple gestation — being pregnant with more than one baby
- Gestational diabetes — high blood sugars that only occur during pregnancy
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia — marked by high blood pressure that develops during pregnancy
High-Risk Pregnancy Services at Dignity Health Southern California
Your treatment and prevention options for high-risk pregnancy depend upon the underlying causes. Your doctor will explain each option to you and let you know what to expect.
If you have a pre-existing medical conditions, work with your doctors to keep the condition under control throughout pregnancy. If you regularly use illegal drugs, smoke, or drink alcohol, you can decrease the risk to your pregnancy by stopping the use of these substances.
Maintaining excellent overall health can decrease your risk of problems during pregnancy, no matter your age. Regular prenatal care is essential for women with high-risk pregnancies. This may include monitoring and treatment from a coordinated health care team like at Dignity Health Southern California. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your risk factors during pregnancy or before you become pregnant.
Specialized Dignity Health doctors offer expertise in high-risk pregnancy in Southern California hospitals in Long Beach, Northridge, Downtown LA, Glendale, and San Bernardino.