High Risk Pregnancy services offered in Tacoma, WA
If you’ve been advised you have a high risk pregnancy, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed. Steven Maynard, MD, at Rainier OB/GYN in Tacoma, Washington, specializes in helping women with high risk pregnancies enjoy their road to motherhood and welcome healthy babies into the world. Book your visit today with a quick phone call or a visit to the online scheduling page.
High Risk Pregnancy Q & A
What makes a pregnancy high risk?
Many factors can cause your pregnancy to be categorized as high risk. Some of these issues are more serious than others, and not everyone who falls into a high risk category will experience complications during pregnancy or childbirth.
Here are some of the conditions that can place you within a high risk category:
- Age over 35
- Carrying twins or multiples
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Unusual placenta position
- History of pregnancy complications or premature birth
These are just a few of the issues that can lead to a high risk pregnancy. During your prenatal visits, you’ll learn more about your risk level and the steps to take to preserve your health and the health of your baby.
How is a high risk pregnancy different?
Every pregnancy is unique, and every high risk pregnancy will have a unique set of challenges. Dr. Maynard works closely with every expectant mother to determine her level of risk and create a plan to mitigate those risks.
You might need to come in for more frequent prenatal visits. You might also need special testing to learn more about your baby’s development. Options include:
- Targeted ultrasound
- Cell-free DNA screening
- Amniocentesis
- Chorionic villus sampling
- Biophysical profile
You’ll have the full support of the Rainier OB/GYN team as you move through your pregnancy, whether it’s deemed high risk or not.
How can I support my health and my baby’s development during a high risk pregnancy?
There are steps you can take to reduce the stress of a high risk pregnancy and give yourself and your baby everything needed to thrive. Begin by working closely with Dr. Maynard to create a proactive maternal care plan.
You might also consider reaching out to friends and loved ones to strengthen your support system. A high risk pregnancy can prevent you from engaging in the same level of commitments you are used to. The good news is, having help can make the transition easier.
It’s also important to prioritize self-care during a high risk pregnancy. Take time to plan and prepare a healthy diet, and don’t push beyond your limits when you feel tired. Finding healthy ways to manage stress is also essential and can make your pregnancy and those first months after childbirth easier to manage.
If you have questions or concerns about high risk pregnancy, reach out to Rainier OB/GYN to schedule a visit. Online booking is an option, or you can always call to check appointment availability.
