Skip to main content
786-713-2858 Request Now Patient Portal

High Risk Pregnancy Specialist

Miami Women's Health Associates Our Services High Risk Pregnancy

Miami Women's Health Associates

Obstetricians & Gynecologists located in Coconut Grove, Miami, FL

When you are looking forward to the birth of a child, the last thing you want to hear is that you have a high-risk pregnancy. Although those words may seem scary, it doesn’t necessarily mean that anything bad will happen; it simply means that extra care and attention is needed during your pregnancy. At Miami Women's Health Associates, Jhonathan Duarte, MD, and Vicente Gari, MD, have experience in high-risk pregnancies and can help ensure the safe delivery of your child. If you have concerns about your pregnancy, schedule an appointment at the Miami Women's Health Associates Coconut Grove office in Miami, Florida, by calling or using the online booking tool.

High Risk Pregnancy Q&A

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

A pregnancy is considered high risk if there are factors or health issues present that can negatively affect the mother or baby before, during, or after delivery. Despite having risk factors, a high-risk pregnancy doesn’t mean that you or your baby will have problems.   

What are the factors that determine whether a pregnancy is high risk?

There are a variety of medical and behavioral factors that can contribute to a high-risk pregnancy.

They include:

  • Maternal age over 35
  • Previous C-sections
  • Smoking, drinking alcohol, or drug use
  • History of pregnancy issues
  • Expecting twins or multiples
  • Existing chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, HIV/AIDS, and heart problems

Can I develop health problems during pregnancy?

At times, women without a history of medical issues will develop temporary irregularities during their pregnancy. Examples of these issues are gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

Gestational diabetes

Like other forms of diabetes, gestational diabetes alters how your body uses sugar. Gestational diabetes is treated by maintaining a healthy diet and exercising. In some cases, your physician prescribes a medication. Typically, your glucose levels will return to normal in the days or weeks after your baby is born.

Pre-eclampsia

Pre-eclampsia sometimes shows up as gestational hypertension or protein in your urine. If left untreated, pre-eclampsia can lead to liver or renal failure or future heart issues for the mother and can cause the placenta to cut off the blood supply to the baby. 

How your physician treats pre-eclampsia depends on how far along your pregnancy is. If you are close to your due date, they may induce labor. In other cases, they may recommend dietary changes or prescribe a high blood pressure medication.

What is preterm labor?

Preterm labor is when you go into labor before the 37th week of pregnancy. Treatment for preterm labor depends on how close you are to your due date. If you are within a couple of weeks of your due date, your physician may opt to deliver your baby. If it is too early, they may prescribe drugs to stop labor. They may also prescribe medicine to speed up the development of your baby’s lungs.

The team at Miami Women's Health Associates is highly experienced in treating women with high-risk pregnancy and can help take care of you and put your mind at ease. If you are concerned about your pregnancy and think you may be high risk, request an appointment online or call the Miami office today.

What we offer

Services