High Risk FAQs
What makes a pregnancy a high-risk pregnancy?
There are four main reasons a pregnancy is considered high risk:
- Mom’s age—pregnancies after age 35 or teen pregnancy
- Existing health conditions—high blood pressure, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), diabetes, kidney disease, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and/or the use of fertility drugs
- Lifestyle factors—smoking and/or drinking during pregnancy
- Pregnancy conditions—pregnant with multiples, gestational diabetes, and/or pre-eclampsia
How long should we wait after a miscarriage before trying again?
The answer can vary from woman to woman. In general, it’s advised that women have at least two or three normal periods before trying to conceive again. This allows the woman time to become physically and emotionally ready, as well as for her doctor to perform any tests that might be needed. Some women will be advised to wait six months to a year.
What causes miscarriage?
Fatal genetic problems in the unborn baby is the cause of most miscarriages. Other causes can include: infections, underlying medical conditions in the mother, hormone problems, immune system responses, or abnormalities with the mother’s reproductive track. Miscarriage is far more common than many think, with the March of Dimes estimating that 50 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage—many before the woman even knew she was pregnant.
Does age alone make me high-risk?
Yes, age alone can put a woman into the category of high-risk pregnancy. Teen pregnancies and women over age 35 are automatically high-risk. But it’s important to remember that just because the mother’s age classifies her as high-risk, it doesn’t mean there’s an actual problem with the pregnancy. It does mean that both mother and baby need some additional monitoring and medical support over the course of the pregnancy.
If I'm 34 now but will be 35 when the baby is born, am I considered high-risk?
Yes. The age determination for being considered high risk is the mother’s age at the time she gives birth. So, a woman who is going to turn 35 before her due date (or close to it) is considered high risk.
Does having miscarriages mean I can't have a baby?
No. Having a miscarriage doesn’t mean women cannot have children. It just means that there was something not right with that particular pregnancy—most commonly a genetic problem. Having three miscarriages in a row is a sign that there may be an existing condition in the mom that is affecting her fertility. Meeting with a reproductive endocrinologist can help women determine the cause and what can be done to improve her chances of a successful pregnancy.