High-risk pregnancies need careful planning and specialized medical support. Columbus OB/GYN provides focused care to help manage risk factors, monitor for complications, and protect the health of both mother and baby. Our experienced OB/GYNs support pregnant women with medical conditions or other concerns throughout each stage of prenatal care.
Who is Considered High‑Risk?
A high-risk pregnancy means there are certain health conditions or other factors that raise the risk of complications during pregnancy or delivery. Some women begin pregnancy with medical issues, while others develop problems later.
You may be considered high-risk if:
- You are age 35 or older (advanced maternal age)
- You are carrying multiples—twins, triplets, or more
- You develop gestational diabetes (GD)
- You have high blood pressure (HTN), either before or during pregnancy
- You have heart disease, autoimmune conditions, or kidney problems
- You had complications with a previous pregnancy, like preterm labor or preeclampsia
Each circumstance is different. Whether the risk comes from a past medical issue or something new during this pregnancy, we adjust your care to meet your needs and goals.
Monitoring Protocols
Once we identify a pregnancy as high-risk, we update your care plan. Monitoring becomes more frequent, and testing is used to track the development of your baby and the status of any health issues.
Typical protocols include more prenatal care visits. You may come in weekly or biweekly, depending on your condition and how far along you are. We check your blood pressure at every visit and monitor for early signs of preeclampsia or other concerns.
Ultrasound exams help us evaluate fetal growth and watch for signs of stress. We may order biophysical profiles or non-stress tests in the third trimester to assess heart rate and oxygen levels. Blood tests may also be needed to check blood sugar, liver function, and other markers specific to your individual risk factors.
Our goal is to detect changes early. By doing so, we help improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the chance of severe complications.
Co‑Management with Hospitals
For many high-risk patients, care involves both our OB/GYN office location in Columbus and a hospital-based maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) team. Columbus OB/GYN partners with hospitals across Columbus, Ohio, to deliver complete care without delay or confusion.
We coordinate:
- Timely referrals to MFM specialists
- Shared test results across systems
- Updates between providers
- Transitions to hospital-based monitoring when required
In higher-risk pregnancies, delivery planning is essential. Some patients may be scheduled for early induction or cesarean section. Others may need inpatient care if their condition worsens. Our close hospital relationships allow us to manage these changes quickly and clearly. You stay informed while we stay prepared.
How Appointments & Referrals Work
If your pregnancy meets the criteria for high-risk care, we move fast to get your care plan in place. There’s no need for you to handle it alone—our team will explain each step, arrange referrals, and stay in contact with other specialists.
We begin by reviewing your health conditions and any previous pregnancy risks. If needed, we refer you to in-network high-risk pregnancy specialists or hospital services. Most patients continue to see their primary OB/GYN regularly, while also receiving care from a maternal-fetal medicine doctor.
Referrals are made directly from our office, and your test results are shared with both care teams. You won’t need to track paperwork between offices. As care needs shift, we adjust visit schedules accordingly.
Why Choose Columbus OB/GYN for High‑Risk Care?
When it comes to managing pregnancy with risk of complications, experience matters. Our OB/GYNs have cared for hundreds of high-risk patients across Columbus, Ohio. We use current medical guidance paired with personal care and close monitoring.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Board-certified OB/GYNs experienced in high-risk prenatal care
- On-site ultrasound, blood testing, and fetal monitoring
- Familiarity with medical conditions like heart disease and diabetes during pregnancy
- Direct access to local hospitals and MFM specialists
- A low-stress, step-by-step approach to managing higher risk
We don’t make assumptions. We follow the evidence, ask the right questions, and monitor closely to protect your health. In many cases, patients go on to have a safe and healthy pregnancy even with added concerns.
Your Next Step to Safe, Expert Pregnancy Support
Being told your pregnancy is high-risk may feel overwhelming. At Columbus OB/GYN, we help you manage that risk with practical steps and clear information. Our team stays focused on your well-being while helping your baby grow and develop safely.
If you have a health condition, a previous pregnancy issue, or another concern, talk with us early. Planning ahead gives us more options and time to act when needed.
Call our office or schedule an appointment online to begin your high-risk pregnancy care in Columbus, Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies a pregnancy as “high risk”?
A high-risk pregnancy involves an increased chance of medical complications due to age, health conditions, or pregnancy-related issues. Common reasons include advanced maternal age, high blood pressure, diabetes, a history of premature labor, multiple gestation, or a serious condition such as heart disease.
How often will I need an ultrasound or fetal monitoring if I’m high‑risk?
You may need an ultrasound every few weeks, depending on fetal growth and your condition. In the third trimester, most high-risk patients will also start weekly fetal non-stress tests. These help watch how your baby is responding inside the womb.
Can I still deliver at a hospital if I’m under high-risk care with Columbus OB/GYN?
Yes. The majority of our high-risk patients deliver safely in local hospitals. Our team works closely with delivery units and maternal-fetal medicine colleagues to be sure the hospital is prepared for your individual situation.
What symptoms should prompt me to call the office or go to the hospital immediately?
Urgent symptoms include heavy vaginal bleeding, strong or regular contractions before 37 weeks, severe headache, sudden swelling, vision changes, decreased fetal movement, or chest pain. These may signal risk of complications and deserve quick attention.
How long after delivery will my care continue?
We follow you for at least six weeks after birth. If you had pregnancy-related conditions like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, we may monitor you beyond that. For ongoing health conditions, we help coordinate a long-term plan with your primary provider.