High-Risk Pregnancies
Although most pregnancies go smoothly, some expectant women and their babies have a higher risk for health problems that need extra attention.
At Beaufort Memorial, our board-certified OBGYNs provide a full range of care for women who may be at increased risk for pregnancy complications, and we partner with maternal-fetal medicine specialists at MUSC Health in Charleston for mothers who need a higher level of care.
Need an OBGYN? Request an appointment.
What Makes a Pregnancy High Risk?
Risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy include:
- Advanced maternal age (over age 35)
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Being pregnant with more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Certain medications
- Diabetes and/or gestational diabetes
- Elevated blood pressure
- Obesity
- Previous pregnancy outcomes
As part of your regular prenatal care, talk with your OBGYN if you think your pregnancy might be high risk.
Maternal and Fetal Screenings
Our high-risk pregnancy services include maternal and fetal screening, diagnostic testing and consultative services. Specialties include:
- Amniocentesis: A sample of amniotic fluid, which surrounds and protects a baby during pregnancy, is withdrawn from the uterus. Typically performed after week 15, an amniocentesis can identify certain genetic conditions or abnormalities of the brain or spinal cord.
- Biophysical profile: We can check on your baby’s well-being by monitoring the fetal heart rate and using fetal ultrasound.
- Cervical length measurement: Your doctor may want to determine if you’re at risk for preterm labor by using an ultrasound to measure the length of your cervix.
- Chorionic villus sampling: Between your 10th and 12th week of pregnancy, we may take a small sample of cells from the placenta to help identify particular genetic concerns.
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Cordocentesis: This test, which involves a fetal blood sample, can help identify if your baby has any chromosomal conditions, blood disorders or infections.
- Lab tests: Your doctor may run several lab tests. One test requires taking a swab of vaginal secretions to look for fetal fibronectin, which increases the chance of preterm labor.
- Targeted fetal ultrasound: This simple test produces images of the baby in the uterus to confirm suspected problems or abnormal development.
High-Risk Pregnancy Doctors at Beaufort Memorial
Our experienced, board-certified physicians have special training in high-risk pregnancies. They also maintain a close relationship with maternal-fetal medicine physicians at MUSC Health in Charleston, should you or your baby need specialized care. Keep in mind that a referral doesn't necessarily mean your pregnancy will be difficult or that your baby will have health problems. Most often, it's simply a precaution.
As added support for high-risk pregnancies, we are a Level II Nursery that allows us to provide specialized, around-the-clock care for babies born prematurely or with special needs.
We also have an operating room right across the hall from our Birthing Center labor and delivery rooms, including a room reserved exclusively for cesarean sections.