Texas Health Denton

High-Risk Pregnancy Care Now Available Everyone wants a picture-perfect pregnancy, but despite best efforts, sometimes things just don’t go according to plan. It’s reassuring to know that Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Denton provides care for high-risk pregnancies. Several factors can increase a woman’s chance of high-risk pregnancy, including: * Being older than 35 * 
Having a chronic or pre-existing condition, such as diabetes * Being overweight or underweight * A history of previous pregnancy problems * Having a sexually transmitted disease Conditions that may develop during pregnancy that are deemed “high-risk” include: * Preeclampsia, or high blood pressure and urinary problems * Eclampsia, a more severe version of preeclampsia that can cause a mother to have a seizure or go into a coma * Gestational diabetes, a form of diabetes that only pregnant women can develop * Preterm labor, or going into labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy “Even previously healthy women can occasionally develop high-risk conditions during pregnancy,” says Bannie Tabor, M.D., OB/GYN, maternal-fetal medicine physician on the medical staff at Texas Health Denton. “It’s imperative to have proper management and care of high-risk pregnancies by a qualified physician for the health of both the mother and the baby.” Advanced Medicine Maternal-fetal medicine physicians are OB/GYNs specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of complicated pregnancies. Maternal-fetal medicine physicians have had an additional two to three years of formal training and education for the management and delivery of high-risk pregnancies. They are required to have superior experience and knowledge of the obstetrical, medical, genetic and surgical complications of pregnancy and their effects on both the mother and baby. “At Texas Health Denton, we take high-risk pregnancies very seriously and treat mothers compassionately,” says Dr. Tabor. “Expecting mothers and their loved ones should know we always have mother and baby’s best interests in mind.” Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy Want to ensure you do all you can to have a healthy pregnancy? Follow these tips to decrease the risk of complications and increase your confidence. * Attend all prenatal care appointments. * Take at least 400 micrograms of folic acid each day. * Receive the recommended immunizations. * Maintain a healthy weight and diet. * Participate in regular physical activity. * Avoid heavy lifting. * Do not smoke, drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. * Always check with your care provider before taking over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies. * Drink at least 10 cups (8 ounces per cup) of water daily. Avoid caffeine. * Get at least eight hours of adequate sleep each night. To find an OB/GYN on the medical staff at Texas Health Denton, call 1-877-THR-WELL or visit TexasHealth.org/FindAPhysician.

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