Advanced maternal age

Women over age 35 are more likely to experience a high-risk pregnancy.

Complications identified during pregnancy

If your doctor has helped identify a complication like pregnancy-related high blood pressure (preeclampsia) or gestational diabetes, your pregnancy may be considered high-risk. Problems with the placenta can also increase risk.

Genetic or fetal concerns

Inherited conditions or congenital (from birth) abnormalities may make your pregnancy high-risk. Your doctor can refer you to a genetic counselor to help identify exactly what is going on if they suspect their could be a genetic issue.

Pregnancy with multiples

Carrying twins, triplets or more babies is considered a high-risk pregnancy.

Amniocentesis to help detect genetic issues

A procedure that tests amniotic fluid around your baby to detect chromosomal, genetic or other fetal problems.

Biophysical profile to take baby's vitals

A noninvasive test that measures your baby’s amniotic fluid level, body movement, breathing, heartrate and muscle tone using an ultrasound and sensors you wear on your belly.

Chorionic villus sampling for genetic issues

A test that examines tissue from your placenta to detect chromosomal or genetic problems.

Diagnosis and management of birth defects

Screening, diagnostic and blood tests that can identify chromosomal, genetic or structural abnormalities.

Detailed ultrasounds for baby's heart with fetal echocardiography

A real-time ultrasound that examines your baby’s heart structure and function.

A genetic counselor can assess and explain your baby’s risk for birth defects, genetic disorders or other inherited conditions.

Medical management for conditions that affect your pregnancy

Complete, specialized care for pregnancy-related complications like diabetes, high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and other fetal abnormalities.

Mental health counseling for pregnancy and birth related trauma

Special support that focuses on anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma related to birth, infertility and pregnancy loss.

Non-stress testing for baby's heart rate and more

A noninvasive, painless test that evaluates your baby’s heart rate and blood oxygen level using sensors you wear on your belly.

Nutritional education with a dietitian

Nutritional guidance to help control morning sickness, constipation, gestational diabetes and high blood pressure.

Substance abuse counseling

Outpatient services to help pregnant women addicted to alcohol or drugs to achieve sobriety and manage addiction to improve pregnancy outcomes.

What makes a pregnancy high-risk?

Your pregnancy is high-risk if you or your baby has a health condition that requires close monitoring. Most women with a high-risk pregnancy go on to have a healthy, successful delivery.

How often will I see my provider?

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you’ll see your provider more often: During the first and second trimesters, you can expect monthly appointments During your third trimester, you’ll see your OB/GYN every two weeks Between 36 weeks and delivery, you’ll have weekly appointments

Can my partner attend my appointments?

Yes, we encourage your partner to attend your visits. During these appointments, they can provide emotional support and ask important questions.

High-risk pregnancy care | Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Specialized care for you and your baby

A high-risk pregnancy can bring extra questions, concerns and uncertainty. If you or your baby needs specialized care, we're here for you. From diagnosis through delivery, our team of OB/GYNs, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, nurses and genetic counselors work together to provide expert care and support tailored to your needs. We’re committed to helping you feel cared for, informed and supported throughout your pregnancy.

Care for high-risk conditions

You may develop a high-risk pregnancy for a wide variety of reasons. We help to define the underlying cause of your high-risk condition and provide you with personalized options for care like advanced monitoring, specialized expertise and a coordinated care approach. Some of the most common causes include:

Miscarriages are a common issue and just because you have miscarried before does not mean that you are automatically considered high-risk. If you have a history of multiple repeated miscarriages or have delivered a pre-term baby, your pregnancy may qualify as high-risk.

If you have a health condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, lupus or kidney disease it can increase your risk factors for pregnancy. Other health concerns like autoimmune disease, epilepsy, obesity and thyroid disorders can also contribute to a high-risk pregnancy.

Perinatal services

Our Perinatal Centers provide advanced maternal-fetal medicine services for pregnancies that require more intensive monitoring. Our board-certified specialists and imaging experts partner closely with your OB/GYN to deliver personalized, comprehensive care for you and your baby throughout pregnancy.

Locations

We have two Roper St. Francis Healthcare Perinatal Centers, located at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital and Berkeley Hospital. Our specialists also partner with OB/GYNs in the community to bring you the best possible care in the greater Charleston area.

Classes and resources for expecting parents

Prepare for your baby’s arrival with newborn classes designed to help you confidently navigate pregnancy and your baby’s first few months. You can also tour our maternity and nursery spaces, meet your care team and get comfortable with where you’ll give birth.

View upcoming classes

Related specialties

Lactation and breastfeeding support

Help for latching, pumping and milk supply from our certified lactation consultants.
Labor and delivery

What to expect, where to go and how to prepare for labor when you come to deliver your baby at one of our hospitals.
NICU and newborn care

Whether your baby needs routine care or extra support from our NICU, we provide family-centered care that keeps mom and baby close.

Get expert high-risk pregnancy support

Get quality care you can trust from the specialists and nurses at our Perinatal Centers.

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High-risk pregnancy care