Does a high-risk pregnancy mean I will have a C-section?

Not necessarily. While some high-risk conditions may make a C-section the safest choice, many women with high-risk pregnancies can and do have successful vaginal deliveries. We evaluate each situation individually to determine the safest path for birth.

Why is age 35 considered high-risk?

At age 35 and older, there is a slightly higher risk of certain chromosomal conditions and pregnancy-related health issues like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes. However, with modern prenatal care, most women over 35 have very healthy pregnancies and babies.

How often will I have ultrasounds in a high-risk pregnancy?

The frequency depends on the specific reason your pregnancy is high-risk. Some patients may have monthly scans, while others may require weekly monitoring in the third trimester. We will create a schedule that is right for your specific needs.

Can I still see a midwife if I am high-risk?

In many cases, our midwives and physicians work together in a collaborative care model for high-risk patients. While your primary medical management may shift to a physician, the supportive care of a midwife can often remain part of your journey.

What is a non-stress test (NST)?

An NST is a simple, non-invasive test where we monitor the baby’s heart rate in relation to their movements. It is called “non-stress” because it does not put any stress on the baby. It is a common tool used in the third trimester of high-risk pregnancies to ensure the baby is getting enough oxygen.

Will my baby need to go to the NICU?

While many high-risk babies do not require the NICU, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital has a Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) prepared to care for babies who need extra support. Having this resource available on-site provides an essential safety net for high-risk deliveries.

High-Risk Pregnancy Care

Elevated Care for Your Peace of Mind

When a pregnancy is identified as high-risk, it does not necessarily mean there will be problems. Instead, it means we will be more proactive in our monitoring to prevent complications before they start. At Dr. Hyler and Associates, we coordinate every aspect of your care, utilizing advanced diagnostics and a collaborative approach with specialists at HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital.

Our high-risk pregnancy care typically includes:

Frequent Prenatal Visits: You will see your provider more often than in a low-risk pregnancy. these visits allow us to track your health and your baby’s development with greater frequency.
Advanced Fetal Monitoring: We utilize regular ultrasounds, non-stress tests (NSTs), and biophysical profiles to closely monitor the baby’s growth, heart rate, and amniotic fluid levels.
Management of Pre-existing Conditions: If you have a condition like chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, or an autoimmune disorder, we work to keep your health stable throughout your pregnancy.
Specialist Collaboration: When necessary, we partner with Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists to provide the highest level of expertise for complex cases.
Delivery Planning: We develop a detailed delivery plan tailored to your specific risks, ensuring that HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital’s advanced neonatal and surgical teams are ready when it is time for your baby to arrive.

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Who Is This For?

Women age 35 or older at the time of delivery.
Patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or high blood pressure.
Women expecting multiples (twins, triplets, or more).
Mothers with a history of preterm labor or multiple miscarriages.
Patients who develop pregnancy-related complications like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
Women with a history of previous pregnancy complications or C-sections.

A Full Range of Care, From Conception to Postpartum

Whatever your pregnancy looks like, we have the experience and the resources to support it. Click any service below to learn more.

High-risk pregnancy management
Pregnancy with multiples (twins and more)
Management of pre-term labor
Ectopic pregnancy care
Pregnancy nutrition
Coping with physical and emotional changes
The Fresh Test (gestational diabetes screening)
Postnatal visits

Specialized Support for Pregnancy-Related Conditions

Some high-risk factors only emerge during pregnancy. Conditions like gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy) and preeclampsia (a serious high blood pressure condition) require immediate and expert management. Our team is highly experienced in identifying these issues early and providing the clinical path forward to protect both mother and baby.

How we manage these conditions:

Screening and Early Detection: We perform routine glucose screenings and blood pressure checks at every visit to catch potential issues as soon as they appear.
Nutritional Guidance: For gestational diabetes, we provide detailed education on diet and blood sugar monitoring to manage the condition through lifestyle whenever possible.
Medication Oversight: If lifestyle changes are not enough, we provide the necessary medical treatments to keep your blood sugar or blood pressure in a safe range.
Increased Surveillance: We add regular fetal monitoring and extra ultrasounds to ensure the baby is thriving despite these maternal health challenges.
Delivery Timing: We carefully determine the safest time for your delivery to minimize the risk of complications for you and your newborn.

Discuss Your Risk Factors