What Does “High-Risk Pregnancy” Really Mean?
In my 30 years as an obstetrician, I’ve seen just about every pregnancy complication there is. I’ve also taught countless medical residents and fellow physicians in the United Kingdom on how to manage these complications and I have lectured around the world on managing pregnancy complications. So when patients tell me they’re switching to “high-risk care” after a complication arises, I want to set the record straight about what that actually means.
Let’s Talk About “High-Risk”
A high-risk pregnancy isn’t a different category that requires a different type of doctor. It simply means your pregnancy needs closer monitoring or additional management because of certain factors:
1. Medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid disease
2. Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes.
3. Twins or triplets.
4. Previous pregnancy complications.
5. Previous delivery complications.
6. Maternal age over 35.
7. Placental issues
This is standard obstetric care. This is what I do.
What Obstetrics and Gynaecology Training Actually Covers.
Here’s something many patients don’t realise: managing complicated, high-risk pregnancies is exactly what obstetricians are trained to do.
My training didn’t stop at normal deliveries. I spent years learning to manage every type of pregnancy complication. I’ve handled thousands of high-risk cases. I’ve taught other doctors how to recognize warning signs, manage emergencies, and navigate complex situations.
The Value of Experience
Thirty years means I know what’s truly concerning and what’s normal variation. I know when to watch and wait, and when to act quickly. I’ve managed complications you’re experiencing for the first time hundreds of times before.
That experience matters when things get complicated. It means calm, confident decision-making rather than panic. It means knowing exactly what to do next.
When Subspecialists Enter the Picture
There are specific situations where I bring in maternal-fetal medicine specialists or other consultants:
- Detailed fetal anatomy assessments requiring advanced imaging
- Rare genetic conditions requiring specialised counseling
- Extremely complex medical situations requiring multidisciplinary teams
- But these are consultations, not transfers of care. I remain your physician. We work collaboratively, and you benefit from multiple experts while maintaining the continuity of our established relationship.
What You Should Expect
If your pregnancy develops complications, expect more frequent visits, additional monitoring, and detailed conversations about what we’re watching and why. Expect me to be direct about risks while remaining optimistic about outcomes because most high-risk pregnancies end well with proper management.
What you shouldn’t expect is to need a different obstetrician.
Making Informed Decisions
You have every right to ask about my experience with your specific situation. How many times have I managed this complication? What are the outcomes? What’s my approach?
These are good questions, and I welcome them. Informed patients make better partners in their care.
What concerns me is when patients assume “high-risk” automatically means they need to find someone else often based on anxiety rather than actual medical necessity or on family suggestions. That assumption costs you the continuity and expertise you’ve already established.
The Bottom Line
High-risk pregnancy care is obstetric care. It’s what I’ve been doing for three decades.
If complications arise in your pregnancy, you’re already where you need to be. If you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy, please contact our clinic.
