High Risk Pregnancy Specialist

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy threatens the health of a mother or her unborn baby and requires specialized care from highly trained obstetrics providers.

Your pregnancy may be high-risk if you:

• Have an existing health condition, such as diabetes, HIV, or high blood pressure
• Are overweight or obese
• Carry multiple fetuses
• Are a teenager
• Are age 35 or older
• Have pregnancy complications of slow fetal growth or abnormal placenta position
• Drink alcohol, smoke, or use illicit drugs while pregnant
• Have a history of uterine surgery

If your pregnancy is high-risk, you can still have a healthy, full-term pregnancy. You may require frequent monitoring from Dr. Hooker, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition or require special tests to rule out genetic abnormalities and problems with fetal development.

Will I require special tests?

Dr. Hooker lets you know which special tests, if any, you’ll require during a high-risk pregnancy.

These tests may include:

• Targeted ultrasounds to check for abnormal fetal development
• Ultrasounds that check cervix length
• Amniocentesis to identify genetic conditions and neural tube defects
• Chorionic villus sampling to identify genetic conditions
• Cordocentesis to identify blood conditions, infections, and genetic disorders
• Lab tests to check for urinary tract infections and infectious diseases

During amniocentesis, your provider takes a sample of amniotic fluid from your uterus. A chorionic villus sampling procedure involves removing a sample of cells from your placenta. Dr. Hooker takes a sample of umbilical cord blood for testing during cordocentesis.

He goes over the risks and benefits associated with specialized tests to determine which, if any, are a good match for you.

Ask Dr. Hooker about 3D and 4D ultrasounds to view your unborn baby.

How can I increase my chance of a healthy pregnancy?

There are several things you can do to keep pregnancy risks as low as possible. Achieve or maintain a healthy weight before becoming pregnant, don’t drink alcohol or smoke during pregnancy, avoid or seek treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and manage chronic diseases.

Should I call my doctor?

Regardless of your pregnancy risk level, call Dr. Hooker at any sign of a pregnancy complication, such as:

• Severe headaches
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Vaginal bleeding
• Watery vaginal discharge
• Decreased fetal movement
• Frequent contractions
• Burning or pain with urination
• Blurred vision

When you’re ready to receive top-quality care from a team of providers who specialize in high-risk pregnancies, call Lake Havasu OB/GYN Care today or book an appointment online.