High-Risk Pregnancy | Baylor Scott & White Health

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is when you or your baby is at an increased risk of complications before, during or after delivery. Your age, existing medical conditions and lifestyle factors can make your pregnancy considered high risk.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, careful monitoring and specialized care from a maternal-fetal medicine specialist who has the skills and experience to address potential complications can help increase the chances of a healthy outcome for you and your baby. You may also see different specialists in neonatal care if your baby needs care immediately or soon after birth.

Your team’s goal is to protect you and your baby to make sure you feel confident and supported throughout your pregnancy and delivery.

What are the signs and symptoms of high-risk pregnancy?

Signs and symptoms of a high-risk pregnancy will vary depending on the condition. It’s important to contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms that are concerning.

Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following high-risk pregnancy symptoms:

Vaginal bleeding
Severe headaches
Dizziness or fainting
Difficulty breathing
Severe abdominal pain
Sudden swelling of hands or face
Painful or frequent contractions

High-risk pregnancy risk factors

A high-risk pregnancy occurs when certain factors or medical conditions increase the chances you or your baby could develop complications during pregnancy or soon after birth. Having one of these conditions does not necessarily mean you and your baby are in danger, but it does mean that your OBGYN or a high-risk pregnancy specialist will need to monitor you closely.

If you have any of the following conditions, don’t let the risk of complications scare you. Your OBGYN and care team are here to support you every step of the way if you have these high-risk pregnancy factors.

Maternal age

Pregnancies in people older than age 35 or younger than age 17 are usually considered high risk due to factors ranging from inadequate prenatal care and lifestyle choices to how aging affects a woman’s reproductive system.

Pregnancy over age 35

Pregnant people older than 35 face a higher risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and complications during childbirth, often leading to a higher likelihood of cesarean sections (C-sections). The need for C-sections can increase due to factors such as a decline in uterine muscle tone and an increased likelihood of fetal distress.

Pregnancy after age 35 can also increase a baby’s chances of developing chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome.

Pregnancy under the age of 17

Pregnant people younger than 17 are also considered high risk because adolescent bodies may struggle with the demands of pregnancy, leading to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight and high blood pressure. In addition, emotional readiness for parenthood, lifestyle choices and potential challenges in accessing proper prenatal care also contribute to the risks.

How is high-risk pregnancy diagnosed and monitored?

Your OBGYN or obstetrician will likely diagnose a high-risk pregnancy. If they suspect you or your baby has a medical condition or genetic abnormality, they will use a variety of medical procedures and genetic tests to identify the condition and recommend the next steps. These tests and procedures also allow your team to monitor your baby’s health and well-being and address potential complications to help you have as safe a delivery as possible.

How is high-risk pregnancy managed?

Managing a high-risk pregnancy often depends on what prompted the diagnosis. Your medical conditions can be treated or managed throughout your pregnancy with medications or other interventions. Conditions in your baby may require treatment or planning for treatment soon after delivery.

Regardless of the reason, you will work with a multidisciplinary team focused on the well-being of you and your baby. Your care team will include obstetricians and maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and you may work with neonatologists and other pediatric healthcare professionals, who will create a care plan based on your baby’s needs.

Medical management

Medical management often includes regular monitoring, so your healthcare providers can identify and treat possible complications early. You will have frequent prenatal visits, tests and imaging studies, some of which are also intended to track your baby’s development. You may also need to take medications to address health conditions such as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes and HIV/AIDS.

Postpartum care

Postpartum care doesn't stop when you leave the hospital. With the Virtual Postpartum Care program, you'll have access to the support you need—all from the comfort of your home.

Real-time guidance from healthcare providers
Access to a nurse care advocate
Resources from specialists, including lactation consultants and pelvic floor therapists

Connect with a postpartum specialist

Pregnancy care

Every stage of your pregnancy can feel completely different—both physically and emotionally. With our Pregnancy Care program, you'll find virtual support tailored to your pregnancy journey—with expert-backed tools, useful resources and direct online messaging with your care advocate.

Find the guidance, care and trimester-specific insights with a team that supports you throughout your pregnancy.

Connect with a pregnancy care specialist

Find care for a high-risk pregnancy

You can get care at a location that fits your needs. We offer several locations for your care, including specialized high-risk pregnancy centers in North and Central Texas.

Andrews Women's Hospital at Baylor Scott & White - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

Andrews Women's Hospital at Baylor Scott & White - Fort Worth

1400 8th Ave , Fort Worth, TX, 76104

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

What are the signs and symptoms of high-risk pregnancy?

High-risk pregnancy risk factors

Maternal age

Pregnancy over age 35

Pregnancy under the age of 17

How is high-risk pregnancy diagnosed and monitored?

Specialized ultrasounds

Genetic testing

Fetal echocardiogram

Nonstress test (NST)

How is high-risk pregnancy managed?

Medical management

Postpartum care

Pregnancy care

Find care for a high-risk pregnancy

Frequently asked questions

Why is a multiple gestation pregnancy considered high risk?

Is IVF pregnancy high risk?

Are you considered high risk after a miscarriage?

Does high-risk pregnancy mean a C-section?

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