High-Risk Obstetrics
A high-risk pregnancy means there is an above average risk of complications for you and your baby during your pregnancy, birth, and after the delivery. With Dr Winder’s vast experience in high-risk obstetrics and in emergency medicine, you are in the best hands.
The words “high-risk pregnancy” can be hard to hear. But there are certain medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and other factors that make a pregnancy high-risk. If you are assessed as a high-risk pregnancy, it means that Dr Winder and his team will monitor you and your baby closely, to do all they can to help you manage and increase the likelihood of having a healthy baby. It can mean honest – at times frank – advice, but it is advice in the best interest of the health and wellbeing of you and your baby.
What makes a pregnancy high risk?
- Underlying health conditions: conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, kidney disease, and high blood pressure
- Lifestyle factors: smoking, high alcohol consumption, drug use
- Family history or genetics:
- Problems during pregnancy: developing gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia
- Age: women over the age of 35 have a greater risk of complications
- Weight: overweight women can have problems with blood pressure, risk of diabetes, and greater chance of needing a caesarean section.
- Twins or triplets: carrying twins or triplets (or more) puts extra strain on your body and increases the risk of premature birth
- Previous pregnancy or birth complications: women who have had a miscarrage/s, caesarean, premature birth or other complications
- Vaginal birth after caesarean: can lead to complications such as uterine rupture
The key to managing any factor contributing to a high-risk pregnancy is getting the best information. Pregnancy and childbirth can open up a world of misinformation and advice that can simply be dangerous. We will provide expert advice based on sound medical science, and we will respect and support your medical decisions balanced against a frank assessment and explanation of the risks involved.
What problems can arise from a high-risk pregnancy?
- Miscarriage
- Birth or developmental defects
- Premature birth
- Low birthweight
High-risk pregnancies require special care and attention. Dr Winder and his team are here to guide and support you with expert care and understanding.