High-risk pregnancy: Expert care, peace of mind

Health conditions that can impact pregnancy include:

• Cardiac disease

• Chronic hypertension

• Cystic fibrosis

• Diabetes – type 1 or 2, insulin dependent GDM

• Hemolytic incompatibility

• History of or current coagulation concern

• HIV

• Hypertension

• Pulmonary disease (including active asthma)

• Renal disease

• Seizure disorder

• Sickle Cell disease

• Thyroid disorders

• Other chronic or acute condition that may affect pregnancy

Health concerns with past pregnancies, such as:

• Being pregnant with multiples

• Early labor

• Having a baby with a genetic anomaly, such as Down syndrome

• Having a baby with a heart, lung or kidney condition

• Having three or more miscarriages

• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure later in pregnancy)

• Pregnancy loss

• Seizures

Lifestyle issues also can impact pregnancy risks, including:

• Age: younger than 17 or older than 35

• Alcohol or drug use

• Smoking

Fetal conditions that may affect pregnancy include:

• Fetal anomalies

• Multiple gestation

• Growth restrictions

• Other fetal condition that may affect the pregnancy

You can expect:

• Frequent blood pressure checks

• Genetic testing

• Medicines for asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure if you have these conditions

• Ultrasound exams to check your baby’s growth 

• Urine tests to check for preeclampsia and infections

Depending on your condition, your doctor may want you to deliver your baby at a location that provides easy access to specialty care, such as a neonatal intensive care unit.

If your health or your baby's health is at risk, your doctor may induce labor so that you deliver your baby early to protect the health of you both.

Advanced care for your baby

Sometimes you know your baby will need an extra level of care. Even if you don’t, our team is here to handle any issues your baby has during pregnancy or at birth. Our specialists are equipped to care for babies with multiple health conditions or those needing surgery right away.

Our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides comforting support for your baby and your family during what we know is a stressful time.

The 26-bed Level IV NICU at American Family Children’s Hospital provides care for premature and full-term babies, and is one of two Level IV NICUs in Wisconsin.

What you can do for a healthy pregnancy

Follow these tips to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible:

• Attend all doctor appointments

• Do not smoke.

• Do not drink alcohol.

• Eat a healthy diet that includes protein, milk, fruits and vegetables.

• Exercise based on your doctor's instructions.

• Stay away from people with colds and other infections.

• Take any medicines, iron or vitamins that your doctor prescribes.

• Take folic acid every day - this B vitamin reduces the risk of certain birth defects.

• Track your baby’s movements each day, if asked by your doctor.

When to seek care

Your doctor will talk to you about signs of distress to watch for during your pregnancy. Call 911 if you:

• Have a seizure

• Have severe vaginal bleeding

• Have severe pain in your belly or pelvis

• Pass out (lose consciousness)

Call your doctor if:

• You have belly pain or cramping

• You have a fever

• You have low back pain or pelvic pressure that does not go away

• You have regular contractions for an hour

• You have signs of preeclampsia, such as new vision problems, severe headache or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet

• You have a sudden release of fluid from your vagina

• You have vaginal bleeding

• You notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving much less than normal

Our pregnancy specialists provide care for high risk pregnancies at multiple locations in Madison.