All pregnancies carry a risk of complications, but the chances of something happening are usually very low. If the chances that you will experience a particular problem are greater than normal, you will be identified as having a high risk pregnancy.
A high risk pregnancy is one in which the risk of certain complications is higher than normal. Although the chances of anything happening can still be low, your doctor will want to keep a closer eye on you.
Having a higher risk pregnancy doesn’t necessarily mean that you will experience complications. Most women will go on to give birth without any problems. However, it is important to know when you are at risk so that you can take precautions and get treatment when needed.
Risk Factors
You may be identified as having a high risk pregnancy because you have a pre-existing health condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes that could affect your pregnancy, are a very young mother or are over the age of 35, are overweight or underweight, have had complications in previous pregnancies, are expecting twins or more, or develop a condition such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or placenta previa during your pregnancy.
Obstetrician-Led Care
If you are having a higher risk pregnancy, you may need additional care from an obstetrician. You may have a single consultation to discuss a specific complication, or an obstetrician may take charge of your antenatal care entirely. Your care will be tailored to your specific needs, including additional monitoring, consultations, ultrasound scans, or screening tests as necessary.
High-risk pregnancy follow-up at UCARER, Bahçeşehir
High-risk pregnancies are followed by two experienced obstetrician–gynaecologists, Assist. Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer and Op. Dr. Meryem Gökkaya Uçarer, who together have more than three decades of clinical experience and over 20,000 births. A female obstetrician (Dr. Meryem) is available if you prefer one. The clinic is in Bahçeşehir (Başakşehir), Istanbul, and deliveries take place at the JCI-accredited Acıbadem Hospital, where advanced maternal and newborn facilities are available if needed.
Close monitoring and perinatology support
A high-risk pregnancy needs closer, individualised follow-up. Our approach includes:
- More frequent visits and ultrasound monitoring, with a plan tailored to your specific condition (for example high blood pressure/pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, multiple pregnancy, or a previous pregnancy complication).
- Non-invasive risk assessment with the first-trimester combined (“dual”) test and NIPT where appropriate — see NIPT & prenatal screening.
- Around the 20th week, a detailed fetal anomaly ultrasound together with a perinatology consultation from a professor-level perinatology specialist, so complex findings are assessed at the highest level.
- Continuity of care: the same obstetrician follows you throughout and is present at your delivery. General pregnancy care is described on our antenatal care page.
Guideline-based care
Management follows international guidelines — ACOG, RCOG and the Turkish Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (TJOD).
Frequently asked questions
How often are check-ups in a high-risk pregnancy? More often than in a routine pregnancy; the schedule is set individually based on your condition and monitored closely by your obstetrician.
Do you work with a perinatologist? Yes. Every patient is offered a perinatology consultation with a professor-level perinatology specialist, alongside the detailed 20-week anomaly scan.
Can I still have a vaginal birth if my pregnancy is high-risk? Often yes, depending on your situation; the safest mode of delivery is decided together with your obstetrician based on medical findings.
Is a female obstetrician available? Yes — Op. Dr. Meryem Gökkaya Uçarer is a female obstetrician and can follow a high-risk pregnancy and delivery.
Where will a high-risk delivery take place? At the JCI-accredited Acıbadem Hospital, which has advanced facilities for mother and baby.
Contact UCARER Women’s Health to book your consultation with Assist. Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Uçarer.