High-risk pregnancy: Causes, management, and support options

Approximately 6-8% of all pregnancies experience high-risk complications. A high-risk pregnancy means there’s a greater chance that you, your baby, or both could face health problems during pregnancy or delivery. 

If you’ve been told your pregnancy is high-risk, you’re likely wondering what this means, how to manage it, and where to find support. This guide covers essential information you need to know about maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) and getting the right prenatal care to ensure safe and healthy outcomes for you and your baby.

What makes a pregnancy high risk?

Pregnancies can be considered high risk for many reasons. Sometimes it’s due to existing health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. In other cases, it may be related to age, lifestyle factors, or other pregnancy complications that develop while you’re pregnant. 

Your healthcare provider will review your overall health, medical history, and current pregnancy to determine whether closer monitoring is needed.

Some common causes of high-risk pregnancy include:

• The pregnant person’s age, especially if they are under 17 or over 35. 
• Pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart disease, thyroid disorders, obesity, or autoimmune conditions.
• Certain infections during pregnancy, such as HIV, hepatitis, COVID-19, or sexually transmitted infections.
• Problems that arise during pregnancy, like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and placenta previa.
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, drug use, and poor nutrition.
• A history of previous pregnancy complications. 
• Multiple pregnancies (carrying more than one baby).

Not every factor on this list guarantees complications, but they may mean you’ll benefit from extra prenatal care and regular check-ins with your medical team.

How to avoid pregnancy complications: Steps for safety

Pregnancy comes with so many new and unknown experiences, and potential pregnancy complications can feel like an especially stressful hurdle. Some of these risks can be managed or reduced, while others simply mean you’ll need extra support.

Fortunately, there are many proven ways to manage your prenatal care and keep you and your baby healthy. 

Every plan will vary based on individual needs, but experts typically recommend these steps to maintain a safe pregnancy: 

Step 1. Get started with prenatal care

Get early and consistent prenatal care. Schedule your first appointment as soon as you know you’re pregnant to detect and manage a high-risk pregnancy. 

Step 2. Find a maternal-fetal medicine specialist

Partner with maternal-fetal medicine specialists who focus exclusively on monitoring and treating high-risk pregnancies. 

Step 3. Attend check-ups more frequently

Schedule more frequent prenatal appointments so your care team can monitor your baby’s growth and watch for complications.

Step 4. Monitor your symptoms

Closely monitor symptoms such as heavy bleeding, severe swelling, persistent headaches, or reduced fetal movement. Tracking and reporting these quickly can make a big difference.

Step 5. Make healthy lifestyle choices

Make appropriate lifestyle changes, including eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, engaging in gentle exercise, and managing your stress. 

Step 6. Partner closely with your care team

Manage chronic conditions by working closely with your doctor. 

Step 7. Ask before taking new medications

Only take prescription or over-the-counter medicines approved by your care provider. When in doubt, ask for advice.

Following these proactive steps can help you take some control back in an otherwise stressful situation. 

Navigating high-risk pregnancy support with Carrot 

Having the right benefits in place makes a huge difference between struggling to find answers and accessing the right support at the right time. With Carrot, soon-to-be parents can access better care through:

• Access to vetted maternal-fetal medicine specialists who can provide tailored guidance alongside existing OB/GYNs.
• Coverage for advanced screenings, such as noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and anatomy scans, that provide peace of mind by detecting complications early.
• Coordinated care navigation to find the right providers and resources to keep care plans on track.
• Tools and resources for nutrition, stress management, and emotional well-being.

Though a high-risk pregnancy can feel isolating, Carrot’s support helps people on their family-building journey access care and coverage that gives them confidence.

Emotional and financial support for high-risk pregnancies

If you’re dealing with a high-risk pregnancy, you may need extra support across multiple areas – from pregnancy mental health to medical treatments. Where should you start looking to build your high-risk pregnancy support system?  

Mental health resources

Emotional support often starts with having people and care plans you can lean on when times get tough. Here are some essential resources for pregnancy mental health:

• Trusted family, friends, or a support group
• A therapist or counselor who can help you navigate your complicated emotions
• Stress management and coping strategies

Additionally, simple habits like getting enough sleep and eating well can go a long way in supporting your mental health.

Workplace accommodations

A workplace can also be an important part of your support system. High-risk pregnancies often involve more frequent appointments or adjustments to daily responsibilities — and a supportive workplace will make the right accommodations. 

Speak with your employer about options that may be available to you, such as:

• Flexible scheduling or remote work for medical visits
• Modified duties to reduce physical strain
• Telehealth options that limit time away from work
• Support for parents returning to work

Some employers also offer pregnancy and fertility benefits, which help reduce stress during this time.

Financial guidance

Financial considerations add another layer to high-risk pregnancy treatments. Extra ultrasounds, more appointments, and extended hospital stays can mean higher costs than expected. 

Some ways to find financial support include:

• Review your insurance to understand what’s covered.
• Ask your care provider if financial counselors are available to help clarify expenses ahead of time. 
• Ask about supplemental employee benefits or specialized pregnancy programs

Taking these steps to understand the finances behind high-risk pregnancy support can ease some of the financial pressure of prenatal care.

How Carrot supports high-risk pregnancies

Did you know that 75% of employees consider fertility benefits at work to be an important part of an inclusive company culture? Additionally, 72% say they would stay at their company longer if they had access to fertility benefits. This shows the importance of fertility and family-building benefits for employees and employers alike. 

Carrot’s programs are designed to improve outcomes and reduce costs by connecting individuals with the right treatment plans and specialists for their needs. Companies can give employees access to the highest level of care and support during high-risk pregnancies, while also making a measurable impact on healthcare costs.

• Access to leading MFM specialists and birthing centers through CarrotMatch.
• Coverage for genetic testing, ultrasounds, and high-risk delivery.
• 24/7 telehealth support for urgent concerns.
• Cost savings for individuals and employers. 

In addition, we've launched Sprints: the first metabolic-fertility program built especially for high-risk members who want to build their families: 

FAQs about high-risk pregnancies

Can I have a natural birth with a high-risk pregnancy?

Having a vaginal birth from a high-risk pregnancy depends on your specific situation. Some people with high-risk pregnancies can have a vaginal birth, while others may need a C-section for safety. Your prenatal care team will guide you on the safest delivery option for you and your baby.

Does insurance cover high-risk pregnancy care?

Most insurance plans cover standard pregnancy care, and many also include coverage for additional needs of high-risk pregnancies. Coverage varies, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand what’s included and what could require out-of-pocket costs.

How can I reduce stress during a high-risk pregnancy?

Relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and gentle prenatal yoga can help. Talking with a counselor, joining a support group, or leaning on family and friends for emotional support are also great approaches for stress management.

What lifestyle changes should I make if I have a high-risk pregnancy?

Your doctor may recommend adjustments like eating a nutrient-rich diet, taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid, staying physically active in safe ways, and getting plenty of rest. 

Can I travel during a high-risk pregnancy?

Travel is sometimes possible during a high-risk pregnancy, but it depends on how many weeks along you are and what your risks look like. Care providers typically recommend avoiding long-distance travel during the third trimester. If you need to travel, always check with your care team first.

How does a high-risk pregnancy affect my baby’s health?

A high-risk pregnancy means there’s a greater chance of complications, such as preterm birth or low birth weight. However, with close monitoring and the right care plan, many high-risk pregnancy babies are born healthy. Your healthcare provider will track your baby’s growth and development closely to support the best outcome.

Comprehensive solutions for managing a high-risk pregnancy

With early and consistent prenatal care, many people with high-risk pregnancies go on to have healthy, happy outcomes. With the right resources — including maternal-fetal medicine, emotional support, workplace accommodations, and financial guidance — managing a high-risk pregnancy is entirely possible.

Carrot helps bridge these gaps by connecting individuals to advanced care while offering employers a cost-effective way to support their workforce. See how Carrot helps prevent high-risk pregnancies in members.