High Risk Pregnancy Specialist

What is a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy occurs when the health of you, the pregnant mother, or your growing baby is compromised. You may have a high-risk pregnancy if you:

• Are age 35 or older
• Are in your teen years 
• Are overweight or obese
• Are pregnant with multiple babies
• Develop gestational diabetes or preeclampsia 
• Have a known chronic health condition, such as diabetes or hypertension

Just because you have a high-risk pregnancy, doesn’t mean you can’t go on and have a healthy and entirely normal pregnancy and labor and delivery. It just means that you’re going to need a little extra care from your dedicated OB/GYN along the way. 

Does a high-risk pregnancy affect my baby?

It can, which is why early intervention and regular prenatal visits are key. When you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may experience:

• Low or high birth weight 
• Premature labor before 37 weeks
• Fetal structural abnormalities or birth defects
• Increased need for cesarean section (C-section)

At Women's Global Health of Northern Virginia, Dr. Motesharrei examines you regularly and counsels you on lifestyle changes you can make to ensure both you and your baby are healthy. Dr. Motesharrei understands how overwhelming it can be to have a high-risk pregnancy, so she provides compassionate care along the way. 

How often do I need to see my doctor if I have a high-risk pregnancy?

If you have an underlying health concern, such as advanced maternal age or excess body weight, Dr. Motesharrei often recommends coming in for a preconception appointment before you conceive. Or if you have taken a home pregnancy test that was positive, she encourages you to come in for your first prenatal visit right away.

Once Dr. Motesharrei examines you and determines which issues may be affecting you or your baby’s health, she lets you know about how often you should be coming into Women's Global Health of Northern Virginia for prenatal visits. 

In general, Dr. Motesharrei could recommend prenatal exams once or twice a month during your first two trimesters if you have a high-risk pregnancy. As you enter your third trimester and get closer to delivery, she often wants you to check in about once a week. 

If you’re having a high-risk pregnancy, schedule an evaluation at Women's Global Health of Northern Virginia. Click on the online booking feature or call the office directly.