Pregnancy Complication Services at UPMC Magee-Womens in Central Pa.

Most women during pregnancy don't have any problems. But some have a high-risk pregnancy due to an existing medical condition or one that occurs during pregnancy.

Whatever the cause, the experts at UPMC Magee-Womens Maternal Fetal Medicine have the training and resources to manage all types of high-risk pregnancies.

You can rest assured that our kind, knowledgeable staff will be there for you and your baby if unforeseen complications arise.

What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

Doctors diagnose a high-risk pregnancy when the mother or fetus has an increased risk of poor health outcomes compared to normal pregnancies.

Some conditions and factors increase this risk.

Age

Pregnancy risks are higher for women age 35 and older.

Lifestyle choices

Choices that can put a pregnancy at risk include:

• Smoking cigarettes.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Using illegal drugs.

Medical history

Factors that may cause a high-risk pregnancy include:

• A prior C-section, low birth weight baby, or preterm birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
• A history of pregnancy loss.
• The death of a baby shortly after birth.
• Family history of genetic conditions.

Underlying conditions

Chronic disease or health problems that can increase pregnancy risks include:

• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Epilepsy.
• Blood conditions like anemia.
• Infections.
• Mental health issues.

Problems during pregnancy

Issues that can form during pregnancy pose risks, such as:

• Problems with the uterus, cervix, or placenta.
• Too much amniotic fluid.
• Low amniotic fluid.
• Restricted fetal growth.
• Rh (rhesus) sensitization. This potentially serious condition can occur when your blood group is Rh negative, and your baby's is Rh positive.

Multiple pregnancy

Pregnancy risks are higher for women carrying more than one baby.

Maternal Fetal Conditions We Treat

Our Magee-Womens experts provide consults, guidance, and treatment for a range of conditions, including:

• Amniotic fluid disorders (too much or too little amniotic fluid).
• Bacterial and viral infections.
• Bleeding during pregnancy.
• Ectopic pregnancy, or pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus.
• Fetal growth problems.
• Gestational diabetes.
• Miscarriage.
• Placental abruption, which occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall.
• Placenta previa, which occurs when the placenta is too close to the cervix.
• Preeclampsia/eclampsia, which is pregnancy-induced high blood pressure.
• Preterm labor.
• Thyroid problems.

What To Look Out For

It's normal for pregnancy to cause discomfort. But, if you have any questions about your symptoms or wonder if they're normal, talk to your ob-gyn.

Call your ob-gyn right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Bleeding or excess fluid leaking from your vagina.
• Contractions before 37 weeks that occur more than four times in 20 minutes. Or those that occur more than eight times an hour for over an hour.
• Unusual or severe belly pain or cramps.
• Prolonged or excessive vomiting.
• Blurred or impaired vision.
• Severe headache.

Where to Find High-Risk Pregnancy Care in Central Pa.

When you have concerns about possible pregnancy complications, help is just a call and a short drive away.

Many of our providers offer video visits. Call the office or schedule via your patient portal.

Maternal Fetal Medicine at Alex Grass Medical Sciences Building

100 South 2nd St., Suite 4B
Harrisburg, PA 17101

Phone: 717-231-8472

Fax: 717-231-8490

UPMC Pinnacle Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists

Commerce Park Professional Center

20 Expedition Trail, Suite 203
Gettysburg, PA 17325

Phone: 717-637-7755

Fax: 717-646-1991

UPMC Pinnacle Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists

20 North St.
Hanover, PA 17331

Phone: 717-637-7755