High-Risk Pregnancy
What is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy means you or your baby may need extra care to ensure a safe and healthy delivery. If you've been told your pregnancy is high-risk, it’s natural to feel worried—but you’re not alone. With CHRISTUS Health, you will be supported with advanced care, personalized guidance, and compassion every step of the way. Together, we’ll focus on keeping you and your baby as healthy as possible throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
Maternal Fetal Medicine
CHRISTUS Maternal Fetal Medicine
Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists deliver advanced care for high-risk pregnancies, providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment solutions tailored to you and your baby.
Conditions That May Indicate a High-Risk Pregnancy
Pre-Existing Health Conditions
- Autoimmune diseases such as SLS or MS
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- HIV/AIDS and other infectious or sexually transmitted diseases
- Kidney disease
- Lifestyle-related health issues such as alcohol and substance abuse
- Mental health disorders
- Uncontrolled asthma or other respiratory diseases
- Reproductive disorders such as PCOS and fibroid
- Obesity
- Oncologic or hematologic diseases (current or history of)
- Thyroid disorders
Disorders Related to or Onset with Pregnancy
- Birth defects or genetic conditions identified in utero
- Gestational diabetes
- History of preterm labor or miscarriage
- Multiple gestation
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Poor fetal growth
Genetic Disorders
- Anencephaly
- Cleft Lip and Palate
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Down Syndrome
- Encephalocele
- Marfan’s Syndrome
- Spina Bifida
- Trisomy 18
Fetal Anomalies
Anomalies can affect various parts of the body including organs, limbs, and systems, and they can range from mild to severe.
Here are some common types of fetal anomalies:
- Structural anomalies: These involve abnormalities in the structure or shape of a specific body part or organ. Examples include heart defects, cleft lip and palate, limb deformities, and neural tube defects (such as spina bifida).
- Chromosomal Anomalies: These are caused by changes in the number or structure of chromosomes and can lead to conditions like Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and Edwards Syndrome.
- Genetic Anomalies: These result from mutations or changes in specific genes. Examples include cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and muscular dystrophy.
- Functional Anomalies: These involve abnormalities in how a specific organ or system functions, even if its structure appears normal. For example, congenital heart arrhythmias or certain metabolic disorders fall into this category.
