Health conditions that can impact pregnancy include:
Accreta and surgical obstetrics
Cardiac disease
Chronic hypertension
Cystic fibrosis
Diabetes – type 1 or 2, insulin dependent GDM
Hemolytic incompatibility
History of or current coagulation concern
HIV
Hypertension
Pulmonary disease (including active asthma)
Renal disease
Seizure disorder
Sickle Cell disease
Thyroid disorders
Other chronic or acute condition that may affect pregnancy
Health concerns with past pregnancies, such as:
Being pregnant with multiples
Early labor
Having a baby with a genetic anomaly, such as Down syndrome
Having a baby with a heart, lung or kidney condition
Having three or more miscarriages
Preeclampsia (high blood pressure later in pregnancy)
Pregnancy loss
Seizures
Lifestyle issues also can impact pregnancy risks, including:
Age: younger than 17 or older than 35
Alcohol or drug use
Smoking
Fetal conditions that may affect pregnancy include:
Fetal anomalies
Multiple gestation
Growth restrictions
Other fetal condition that may affect the pregnancy
You can expect:
Frequent blood pressure checks
Genetic testing
Medicines for asthma, diabetes or high blood pressure if you have these conditions
Ultrasound exams to check your baby’s growth
Urine tests to check for preeclampsia and infections
Depending on your condition, your doctor may want you to deliver your baby at a location that provides easy access to specialty care, such as a neonatal intensive care unit.
If your health or your baby's health is at risk, your doctor may induce labor so that you deliver your baby early to protect the health of you both.
Advanced care for your baby
Sometimes you know your baby will need an extra level of care. Even if you don’t, our team is here to handle any issues your baby has during pregnancy or at birth. Our specialists are equipped to care for babies with multiple health conditions or those needing surgery right away.
Our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides comforting support for your baby and your family during what we know is a stressful time.
The 26-bed Level IV NICU at American Family Children’s Hospital provides care for premature and full-term babies, and is one of two Level IV NICUs in Wisconsin.
What you can do for a healthy pregnancy
Follow these tips to keep you and your baby as healthy as possible:
Attend all doctor appointments
Do not smoke.
Do not drink alcohol.
Eat a healthy diet that includes protein, milk, fruits and vegetables.
Exercise based on your doctor's instructions.
Stay away from people with colds and other infections.
Take any medicines, iron or vitamins that your doctor prescribes.
Take folic acid every day - this B vitamin reduces the risk of certain birth defects.
Track your baby’s movements each day, if asked by your doctor.
When to seek care
Your doctor will talk to you about signs of distress to watch for during your pregnancy. Call 911 if you:
Have a seizure
Have severe vaginal bleeding
Have severe pain in your belly or pelvis
Pass out (lose consciousness)
Call your doctor if:
You have belly pain or cramping
You have a fever
You have low back pain or pelvic pressure that does not go away
You have regular contractions for an hour
You have signs of preeclampsia, such as new vision problems, severe headache or sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
You have a sudden release of fluid from your vagina
You have vaginal bleeding
You notice that your baby has stopped moving or is moving much less than normal
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Lila was diagnosed with a rare disorder while still in the womb. The NICU at American Family Children’s Hospital created a plan that worked with her parents’ visual impairments.
NICU tips from parents
Hear what other parents have to say about living through a child’s NICU experience. Watch the videos
Our pregnancy specialists provide care for high risk pregnancies at multiple locations in Madison.