What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy refers to any pregnancy in which the mother, fetus, or both are at an increased risk of complications during pregnancy, labor, or the postpartum period.
Conditions That Increase Pregnancy Risk
Maternal Systemic Diseases
- Hypertensive disorders (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Epilepsy
- Autoimmune diseases (immune system–related disorders)
- Blood clotting disorders (thrombophilias)
Infectious Diseases
- Infections such as HIV, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and parvovirus, which can affect both the mother and the fetus
Pregnancies at Risk of Preterm Birth
- Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Cervical insufficiency (incompetent cervix)
- Placental pathologies (placenta previa, abruption, etc.)
- Premature rupture of membranes
- Preterm labor
Fetal Complications
- Anatomical abnormalities
- Chromosomal disorders
- Genetic syndromes
- Congenital heart defects
- Hematologic diseases
- Infections
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
Who Is a Perinatologist?
A perinatologist is an obstetrician-gynecologist specialized in the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of high-risk pregnancies.
They detect potential risks at an early stage, design tailored management plans, and closely monitor the health of both mother and baby throughout pregnancy. When necessary, they perform advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Areas of Expertise of a Perinatologist
Perinatologists are highly trained in the following areas:
- Management of preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, placental abruption, and intrapartum complications
- Detailed ultrasonographic evaluations for prenatal diagnosis of fetal anomalies
- Chromosomal abnormality screening and diagnosis
- Planning the timing and mode of delivery in cases of fetal distress or complications
- Routine monitoring of fetal well-being using ultrasound and diagnostic testing
- Cervical cerclage procedures in cervical insufficiency
- Advanced diagnostic procedures such as:
- Amniocentesis (sampling of amniotic fluid)
- Cordocentesis (sampling of fetal blood from the umbilical cord)
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) (placental biopsy for genetic testing)
- Fetal interventions such as intrauterine blood transfusion, fetal biopsy, fetoscopy, selective reduction in multiple pregnancies, and laser treatment of placental vascular disorders in twin pregnancies
- Management of pregnancies complicated by severe maternal systemic illnesses
- Care and follow-up of expectant mothers requiring intensive care
In all these fields, perinatologists work in close collaboration with neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, internists, anesthesiologists, and other subspecialists to ensure optimal maternal and fetal outcomes.
Our Clinical Services
Our clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic care for high-risk pregnancies, including:
- Management and follow-up of pregnancies complicated by:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
- Thyroid disorders
- Hematologic and rheumatologic diseases
- Liver and kidney disorders
- Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Performed between 11–14 weeks to obtain placental tissue for chromosomal and genetic analysis
- Amniocentesis: Sampling of amniotic fluid for chromosomal and genetic testing
- Fetal neurosonography: Detailed evaluation of the fetal brain and central nervous system
- Advanced fetal cardiac assessment and fetal echocardiography
- Four-dimensional ultrasonographic imaging
- Fetal blood sampling (cordocentesis)
- Specialized screening and prevention programs for pregnancies at risk of preterm birth
- Evaluation of recurrent pregnancy losses and intrauterine fetal demises
- Investigation of placental pathologies
- Thrombophilia and genetic mutation screening for clotting disorders
Through a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach, our clinic ensures early detection, precise diagnosis, and evidence-based management of all high-risk pregnancy conditions — safeguarding the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
