High-Risk Obstetrics
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Women's Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley
Gynecology & Obstetrics located in McAllen, TX & Edinburg, TX
For expectant mothers, learning they have what’s considered a high-risk pregnancy can be a significant source of anxiety. At Women's Clinic of the Rio Grande Valley in McAllen and Edinburg, Texas, Fernando Otero, MD, understands those fears and works to make each pregnancy as safe and enjoyable as possible. To learn more about the special care provided under high-risk obstetrics, schedule a consultation with Dr. Otero today, online or over the phone.
High-Risk Obstetrics Q & A
What is high-risk obstetrics?
Obstetrics is an area of medical specialty focused on assisting women through the experience of pregnancy and childbirth. High-risk obstetrics is simply the care needed when there is a heightened risk of complications for mother or child.
The term high-risk pregnancy is often unsettling for pregnant women, but there are many reasons why your pregnancy might be designated as such. Some conditions that fall under the category of high risk include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Mothers who are teens or older than 35
- Multiple births
Many less common health conditions must be managed carefully during pregnancy. If Dr. Otero has any concerns about an elevated risk of complications, he may classify your pregnancy as high-risk.
Can I create a birth plan if I have a high-risk pregnancy?
Yes, you can still create a birth plan that outlines your preferences for your childbirth experience. Any birth plan is simply a written set of guidelines for how you would like your labor and delivery to move forward, and it’s never set in stone. Having a high-risk pregnancy is no different in terms of the unpredictability of labor and delivery.
Dr. Otero can help you create a birth plan that reflects your unique set of pregnancy needs and challenges. There are many elements of the experience that you can control, and making a plan is incredibly soothing for many expectant mothers.
How is a high-risk pregnancy managed?
Dr. Otero makes a thorough review of your health history and current health to determine your care plan. You may need to come in for more frequent exams and screenings, especially as your due date nears.
A big part of managing a high-risk pregnancy is the partnership between you and your OB/GYN. Dr. Otero is a firm believer in the power of education, and he works with you to strengthen your knowledge and skills in regard to maintaining optimal health during pregnancy.
That path may include improving your diet, altering your exercise plan, avoiding environmental toxins, and finding ways to rest and recharge. It’s important to understand that managing a high-risk pregnancy is a dynamic process, and your needs may change as your pregnancy progresses.
To learn more about Dr. Otero’s approach to high-risk pregnancy, schedule a visit today. He accepts patients up to 36-37 weeks of pregnancy. Online scheduling is one option, or you can call or stop by the office to check availability.
