High-Risk Pregnancy

As an Obstetrician with decades of experience delivering babies, Dr van Zyl is highly versed in caring for high-risk pregnancies.

These are pregnancies considered more likely to have complications due to medical conditions of the mother, baby, or both. Managing high-risk pregnancies requires extra special care to ensure the best outcomes for both mom and baby.

What is considered a high-risk pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy can be identified based on several factors, including:

Maternal age: Pregnant women over 35 are considered to be at a higher risk of pregnancy complications.
Medical history: Women with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure are considered to be at a higher risk.
Lifestyle: Women who smoke, use drugs, or drink alcohol during pregnancy are at a higher risk of complications.
Pregnancy history: Women who have had previous complications in pregnancy, such as premature birth or a history of miscarriages, are also at a higher risk.

How are high-risk pregnancies managed?

Dr van Zyl takes his role very seriously when managing pregnancies, especially high-risk ones. He will support and care for you and your baby during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

The treatment and management of high-risk pregnancies will vary depending on the risks and complications involved. Some common methods that Dr van Zyl uses include:

Medications: Certain medications may be prescribed to manage pre-existing medical conditions or to prevent complications from developing.
Lifestyle changes: Women may be advised to make changes to their lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, to minimise the risks of complications.
Monitoring and testing: Regular antenatal visits, ultrasound scans and other tests may be performed to monitor your and your baby's health.
Specialised care: In some cases, women with high-risk pregnancies may require specialised care from another specialist.

Living with a high-risk pregnancy

High-risk pregnancies can be challenging, but with the proper care and management, they can result in positive outcomes for both mom and baby. Dr van Zyl will aid in managing your pregnancy, providing care, support and treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.