High-Risk Pregnancy Care

When you face a high-risk pregnancy, turn to the experts at Cone Health. You’ll find the care and attention you need to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible.

What’s a High-Risk Pregnancy?

If you or your unborn baby has an increased chance of a health problem, your pregnancy is considered high risk. Your pregnancy may be high-risk if your baby shows signs of a congenital anomaly, often referred to as a birth defect, or if you:

• Are younger than 17 or older than 35
• Live with an existing health condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Are pregnant with multiples (twins, triplets or more)
• Experience gestational diabetes, preeclampsia or eclampsia during pregnancy
• Had a problem in a past pregnancy

Advanced Prenatal Screenings

Learn about your baby’s health by taking advantage of a wide range of tests, including:

• Amniocentesis – Detects genetic conditions by testing a sample of amniotic fluid; usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation
• Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) – Reveals genetic conditions by testing a sample of placental tissue; usually performed at 10 to 12 weeks gestation
• Fetal nonstress test – Checks your baby’s heart rate to make sure he or she is getting enough oxygen
• Nuchal translucency screening test – Uses ultrasound imaging to measure your unborn baby’s neck and assess its chances of having Down syndrome or another genetic condition; usually performed between 11 and 14 weeks gestation
• Noninvasive prenatal screening test – Uses a blood test to detect an increased risk of certain genetic conditions as early as nine weeks gestation
• 3-D/4-D ultrasound – Monitors your baby’s growth and development by using high-frequency sound waves to create a three-dimensional image (3-D) or real-time video (4-D) of your baby

Genetic Carrier Screening

Ease your concerns about passing along an inherited disorder to your baby. Before you begin trying to conceive, ask about genetic carrier screening. Learn whether you carry certain common gene mutations for conditions such as cystic fibrosis or sickle cell disease, and understand the chances that your child could be affected by a genetic disorder. Count on our certified genetic counselors to explain your test results and options.