Planning of the glucose tolerance test and monitoring of blood sugar through nutrition in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
High-Risk Pregnancy About 30 minutes
High-Risk Pregnancy Follow-Up
In case of any additional condition related to the mother or baby, more frequent examinations and ultrasound monitoring.
About High-Risk Pregnancy Follow-Up
High-risk pregnancy refers to pregnancies where there is a condition that may affect the course of the pregnancy and therefore requires closer monitoring. The most common causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, advanced maternal age, multiple pregnancies, and complications from previous pregnancies. During follow-up, examination intervals are shortened; the baby's growth, blood flow, and the expectant mother's laboratory values are regularly evaluated. When necessary, collaboration with perinatology, internal medicine, or endocrinology specialists is established. The term "high-risk" is not a prognosis but a plan that determines how the monitoring will be organized.
What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy is one in which factors exist that may endanger the health of the mother, the baby, or both. This condition may require special monitoring, treatment, or additional precautions. The determination of a pregnancy as high-risk can be influenced by pre-existing or pregnancy-related maternal diseases. Chromosomal abnormalities in the baby can also make the pregnancy high-risk. The goal of monitoring a high-risk pregnancy is to ensure the process proceeds smoothly and that delivery occurs healthily.
Factors That Increase Risk
- Age: Risk may increase in mothers over 35 years old or under 17 years old.
- Medical history: having experienced complications such as preterm birth, miscarriage, or preeclampsia previously.
- Chronic diseases: diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases.
- Multiple pregnancy: risk rises in twin or triplet pregnancies.
- Lifestyle: use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substances.
Possible Conditions During Delivery
- Preterm birth: the baby being born before the 37th week.
- Fetal distress: decreased oxygen levels in the baby.
- Birth trauma: injury to the baby during delivery.
- Cesarean section: performed when vaginal delivery is risky or not possible.
How Is the Process Managed?
The frequency and content of monitoring in a high-risk pregnancy are determined individually. There are three main components that contribute to safely managing the process:
- Regular doctor visits: appointments should not be missed to closely monitor the condition.
- Healthy lifestyle: balanced nutrition, quitting smoking and alcohol, and regular exercise as advised by the doctor.
- Education: attending pregnancy and childbirth classes to learn in advance how the process will proceed.
When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
The most important aspect of monitoring a high-risk pregnancy is early detection of unexpected symptoms. In cases of bleeding, abdominal pain, severe headache, blurred vision, sudden swelling, fever, water breaking, or decreased fetal movements, evaluation should be done without waiting for the next appointment. The monitoring plan is created individually for each patient, considering the pregnancy week, accompanying diseases, and previous pregnancy history.
What Evaluations Are Performed During Monitoring?
In a high-risk pregnancy, not only do check-ups become more frequent, but their content also expands. Blood pressure and weight monitoring, blood and urine tests, ultrasound assessments of fetal growth, and evaluations such as NST (Non-Stress Test) when necessary may be added to the plan. If the mother has a chronic disease like diabetes or hypertension, collaboration with relevant specialties may be required. Monitoring intervals are significantly shortened in multiple pregnancies. The aim is to detect potential problems early and ensure the pregnancy continues safely until the appropriate week. The location and method of delivery are also planned during this monitoring, considering the pregnancy week and current findings.
The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes and does not replace a medical examination. Please be sure to consult a doctor for your complaints.
How It Works
The Process
The steps below describe how things generally work at the clinic. Which tests are needed and how the plan is set varies from person to person.
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Step 1
Initial consultation and assessment
We review your complaints, medical history and any previous tests together. The examination is planned after this conversation.
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Step 2
Necessary tests
If an ultrasound, lab work or other examination is needed, we clearly explain which one and why.
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Step 3
Personalized plan
Findings are interpreted together; options, expected duration and any alternatives are shared with you. The decision is made jointly.
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Step 4
Follow-up
A check-up is scheduled to see how things are progressing. If you have questions in between, you can reach the clinic.
High-Risk Pregnancy
Related services
Other services in the same area may also interest you.
Frequent interval monitoring planned according to the placental structure in pregnancies carrying twins or more babies.
Early diagnosis and close monitoring in cases where the pregnancy implants on a previous cesarean scar.
Diagnosis and treatment planning in cases where pregnancy implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tubes.
Your Doctor
Op. Dr. Abdulkadir Güllüce
Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist
Op. Dr. Abdulkadir Güllüce has been practicing medicine since 2013 and has specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology since 2022. He bases his practice on current scientific guidelines in areas ranging from pregnancy follow-up to gynecological surgery, tailoring the treatment plan according to each patient's individual history. He sees his patients at his clinic in Yakuplu, Beylikdüzü, and makes a point of explaining every step of the process in clear, understandable language.
Book High-Risk Pregnancy Follow-Up
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The information on this page is for general purposes; it does not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment and does not promise any outcome. Whether it applies to you is assessed together with your history and examination findings. If you experience severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever or fainting, go to the nearest healthcare facility without delay.