Navigating a high-risk pregnancy can be a complex and emotionally challenging experience. These risks can be associated with either the mother’s health or the well-being of the developing baby. If you’re facing a high-risk pregnancy, you or your baby could be more susceptible to health complications before, during, or after delivery. However, with Dr Peter Jurcevic as your obstetrician, you’re not alone in this journey. His extensive knowledge, advanced training and compassionate care provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the complexities of a high-risk pregnancy confidently.
A high-risk pregnancy refers to a condition where a woman faces increased potential for complications throughout the course of her pregnancy. Pregnancy with complications requires essential additional obstetric care to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby.
A high-risk pregnancy isn’t just a medical term; it’s a journey influenced by a variety of personal factors. Pregnancies deemed as high-risk include factors such as:
Maternal Health Conditions: Conditions like autoimmune disorders, thrombophilia, kidney issues, heart conditions, lung problems, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal concerns.
Multiple Pregnancy: If you’re expecting twins or multiples.
Past Pregnancy Complications: Experiencing prematurity, cervical issues, pre-eclampsia, or high blood pressure in previous pregnancies.
Fetal Abnormalities and Birth Defects: Discovering any abnormalities or birth defects in your baby can make the pregnancy journey feel even more significant.
Recurrent Miscarriage and Fetal Loss: If you’ve faced the heartache of recurrent miscarriages or fetal loss, it can understandably make this pregnancy emotionally charged.
Maternal factors: Including your age, weight and height.
When it comes to pregnancy with complications, Dr Peter’s high-risk pregnancy care shines through. His specific and advanced training in high-risk obstetrics, along with extensive knowledge and experience in obstetric maternal and fetal disorders, means he is in a unique position to manage numerous maternal medical issues during pregnancy. Increased obstetric care is embraced to ensure the utmost health and saftey of both you and your growing baby. Dr Peter diligently monitors any potential concerns or issues detected in the early stages of your pregnancy, and effective strategies are implemented to overcome these obstacles. This elevated level of care entails more frequent and tailored prenatal visits, advanced diagnostic assessments, and a uniquely crafted obstetric care strategy that caters precisely to the requirements of your high-risk pregnancy.
Notably, Dr Peter has even performed maternal-assisted cesareans for high-risk pregnancies, ensuring safe and successful outcomes in these challenging situations.
Being pregnant with multiples doesn’t automatically guarantee a high-risk pregnancy. Nonetheless, women expecting multiples do face an increased likelihood of encountering challenges like high blood pressure and preterm labour. For this reason, multiple pregnancies are generally categorised as high-risk.
Experiencing a high-risk pregnancy in one instance does not necessarily guarantee that your next pregnancy will also be deemed high-risk. Each pregnancy is unique and influenced by various factors, including your health and medical history.
While high-risk pregnancies can increase the likelihood of early delivery, it’s important to note that this is not always the case. When your pregnancy is categorised as high-risk, the specific complications you may be facing could potentially elevate the probability of preterm delivery.
Did you know there is obstetric sub specialist training for complicated pregnancies? I have undertaken specific and advanced training in the obstetrical, medical and surgical complications of pregnancy and their effect on mother and foetus. Having undertaken this specialist training both locally and interstate, I have advanced knowledge and experience in obstetric maternal and foetal disorders. My experience spans twins and multiples, genetics, prematurity management, recurrent miscarriage and foetal loss amongst other high-risk conditions. In my role as Head of Unit in Obstetrics at the Royal Women’s Hospital, as well as in my private practice, I see some of the most complicated pregnancies around. To find out more please contact my office on (03) 9348 0699.