High-Risk Pregnancy

Pre-existing health conditions automatically place additional risk on any pregnancy. Whether you’re trying to conceive or expecting, it’s essential to understand the medical conditions and associated risk factors that can make your pregnancy a high-risk pregnancy. The Premier Family Medicine physicians at Pomona Valley Health Centers (PVHC) provide high-quality obstetrical care for the following high-risk pregnancy cases:

• Pre-existing diabetes
  Diabetes in pregnancy increases your risk for cardiac defects and neural tube defects (NTDs), including birth defects of the heart, brain, and spine. You can lower your risk of NTDs, gestational hypertension, and preterm birth by working closely with a family medicine doctor to manage your blood sugar before and during pregnancy. If you don't manage your diabetes properly throughout your pregnancy, you have an increased risk of developing gestational hypertension or giving birth early.
• Pre-existing hypertension
  During pregnancy, high blood pressure (HBP) places extra stress on your heart and kidneys, leading to heart disease, kidney disease, and stroke if left untreated. It can also increase your risk of preeclampsia, preterm birth, low birth weight, placental abnormalities, and Cesarean deliveries. Your family medicine physician can help manage your blood pressure through dietary recommendations and safe, effective blood pressure medications if needed.
• Gestational diabetes
  Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that starts during pregnancy and, for most women, goes away soon after delivery. It's a serious complication of pregnancy that increases your risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia, which can threaten the health and wellbeing of both you and your unborn baby. If needed, your family medicine physician can recommend special meal plans and scheduled physical activity and provide regular blood glucose testing and insulin injections.
• Multiples
  Pregnancy risks are higher if you carry twins, triplets, or other multiples because it places additional stress on your body. Your babies are also more likely to develop complications or arrive early. In many cases, our family medicine physician will refer you to one of our highly skilled and trusted independent specialists at San Gabriel Valley Perinatal Medical Group for personalized care and treatment.
• Fetal complications
  Your family medicine physician may consider your pregnancy high risk if you have a history of miscarriage, preterm labor, or Cesarean delivery (including repeat Cesarean delivery). A high-risk pregnancy classification helps ensure you receive extra diagnostic testing to detect birth defects in utero. Depending on your unique needs, your Premier Family Medicine physician may care for you directly or refer you to one of our highly skilled and trusted independent specialists at San Gabriel Valley Perinatal Medical Group.
• Maternal age
  While it's possible to have a perfectly healthy pregnancy, teenage pregnancy and advanced maternal age pregnancy tend to have more health problems, pregnancy complications, and birth defects. Pregnant women under 17 or over 35 are considered high-risk. Your Premier Family Medicine physician can help monitor your health and the health of your fetus throughout your pregnancy and after birth.
• Overweight and obesity
  Women with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure during pregnancy. Excess body fat also makes it more likely your labor will need to be induced or you'll require a Cesarean delivery. Your Premier Family Medicine physician can help monitor your health and your baby's health throughout your pregnancy and after birth.

The Premier Family Medicine physicians at PVHC provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for higher-risk pregnancies, including surgical cases. We are uniquely positioned to provide optimal care for your pre-existing medical conditions before and during pregnancy, giving you the best possible chance of delivering a healthy baby.

For more information about our high-risk pregnancy services or to schedule an appointment, call PVHC at 909-378-9261. We provide high-quality, compassionate care in Spanish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, and more at our conveniently located facilities.