Is Midwifery Care for Me if I am High-Risk?
It is a common misconception that high-risk pregnancies can only be monitored by OB/GYN doctors instead of midwives. However, high-risk individuals can still benefit from midwifery care.
Is midwifery care for me if I am ‘high-risk’?
This varies on a case-by-case basis. We assess the specific risk factors for each potential client when they come in. We weigh the actual ‘risk’ the condition entails before deciding if they are suitable for midwifery care. Certain risk factors like a previous C-section or gestational diabetes are something we can safely manage in our setting, making these clients potentially suitable for our care.
We might consult with our collaborating physician to determine if we can accommodate that risk factor in our setting without putting you or your baby at risk. Otherwise, we will make referrals to help get you the care best suited to your needs.
What are some risk factors that make someone ‘high-risk’?
Health or pregnancy conditions that might risk you out of our care include:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Autoimmune diseases like SLE
- Infections like HIV or Hepatitis
- Blood clotting disorders
- The baby having a birth defect such as a heart defect requires immediate pediatric care
- Placenta problems such as low-lying placenta
- Previous history of two or more C-sections
What can’t you accommodate in a high-risk pregnancy?
Depending on the risk factor, a high-risk pregnancy can limit your ability to have a birth in our setting. It may also require you to restrict movement in the last trimester to prevent the risk of bleeding or miscarriage.
Your health provider will guide you in detail according to your condition and inform you of any precautions.