During which week would pregnancy begin to pose health concerns for the fetus?
A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy that involves increased health risks for the pregnant person, fetus or both. Certain health conditions and your age (being over 35 or under 17 when pregnant) can make a pregnancy high risk. These pregnancies require close monitoring to reduce the chance of complications. Show
OverviewWhat is a high-risk pregnancy?All pregnancies carry risks. The definition of a “high-risk” pregnancy is any pregnancy that carries increased health risks for the pregnant person, fetus or both. People with high-risk pregnancies may need extra care before, during and after they give birth. This helps to reduce the possibility of complications. However, having a pregnancy that’s considered high risk doesn’t mean you or your fetus will have problems. Many people experience healthy pregnancies and normal labor and delivery despite having special health needs. How common is high-risk pregnancy?About 50,000 people in the U.S. experience severe pregnancy complications each year. Overall, Black people are about three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white people. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes high-risk pregnancy?Factors that make a pregnancy high risk include:
What are common medical risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy?People with many preexisting conditions have increased health risks during pregnancy. Some of these conditions include:
Pregnancy-related health conditions that can pose risks to the pregnant person and fetus include:
What are the signs and symptoms of high-risk pregnancy?Talk to your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms during pregnancy, whether or not your pregnancy is considered high-risk:
At what age is a pregnancy considered high risk?People who get pregnant for the first time after age 35 have high-risk pregnancies. Research suggests they’re more likely to have complications than younger people. These may include early pregnancy loss and pregnancy-related health conditions such as gestational diabetes. Young people under 17 also have high-risk pregnancies because they may be:
What are the potential complications of high-risk pregnancy?A high-risk pregnancy can be life-threatening for the pregnant person or fetus. Serious complications can include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is high-risk pregnancy diagnosed and monitored?Getting early and thorough prenatal care is critical. It’s the best way to detect and diagnose a high-risk pregnancy. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your health history and any past pregnancies. If you do have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need special monitoring throughout your pregnancy. Tests to monitor your health and the health of the fetus may include:
Management and TreatmentHow is high-risk pregnancy managed?Management for a high-risk pregnancy will depend on your specific risk factors. Your care plan may include:
If your health or the health of the fetus is in danger, your healthcare provider may recommend labor induction or a C-section. PreventionHow can I prevent a high-risk pregnancy?You can reduce your risk of pregnancy complications by:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat’s the prognosis (outlook) for people with high-risk pregnancy?Many people who have high-risk pregnancies don’t experience any problems and deliver healthy babies. But they may be at a higher risk for health problems in the future, including:
Some high-risk pregnancies can increase a child’s risk of:
Living WithWhen should I contact my doctor?It’s possible for pregnancy-related complications to occur up to six weeks after a pregnancy ends. Pay close attention to your health. Alert your healthcare provider right away if you notice anything abnormal. A note from Cleveland Clinic What does high-risk pregnancy mean? A variety of factors can make a pregnancy high risk. These include age and certain health conditions. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need extra care before, during and after birth. Be sure to get thorough prenatal care. Stay in close communication with your healthcare provider to reduce your risk of pregnancy complications. Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Print Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/14/2021. References
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Why are the first 8 weeks of pregnancy particularly critical in fetal development?This is because many important developmental changes take place during this time. The major structures of the body form in the first trimester. These include the spine, head, arms and legs. The baby's organs also begin to develop.
What trimester does most complications happen during pregnancy?More than 80% percent of miscarriages happen in the first trimester. Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG): HG is severe and persistent vomiting during pregnancy. It can lead to dehydration or losing too much weight.
What week does the fetal stage begin?Generally, it's called an embryo from conception until the eighth week of development. After the eighth week, it's called a fetus until it's born.
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