Fortunately, most pregnant clients we care for have low-risk pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences.

And while 85 percent of Magnolia’s clients have uncomplicated antepartum periods, others may develop conditions during pregnancy that require the care of medical professionals at a trusted hospital system. We take every possible measure to help clients remain healthy and low-risk, but sometimes unexpected changes arise, requiring the care of an obstetrician.

It’s not what a birthing parent likes to hear. But it’s true that for those with elevated-risk pregnancies, transferring to a hospital-based practice may be what’s best for you.

When Pregnancy Turns High-Risk

Our Miami midwives at Magnolia are always willing to work with you in the highest capacity possible. This means we’ll guide you every step of the way, even when pregnancy throws some curveballs.

If your pregnancy requires specialized nutrition, for example, our wellness educator will step in to help you fine-tune a healthy diet for the remainder of your pregnancy. And if we find that your baby is breech in the later stages of pregnancy, we’ll connect you with a chiropractor for adjustments that may encourage them to turn into a more optimal position for childbirth.

If, however, our resources and guidance are unable to prevent pregnancy-induced diabetes or turn a breech baby, we will recommend you transfer to an obstetrician for more specialized care.

What Conditions Turn My Low-Risk Pregnancy Into a Moderate to High-Risk Pregnancy?

There are several reasons why you may be transferred to hospital-based care with an obstetrics practice during pregnancy. Here are a few of the most common conditions that make a pregnancy moderate to high-risk.

Anemia

During pregnancy, you’re at an increased risk for iron-deficiency anemia. This means your body doesn’t have the amount of red blood cells necessary to oxygenate your body and your baby. Pregnancy requires double the amount of iron than those not carrying a baby, which is why you’ll see iron listed as an ingredient in most prenatal vitamin brands on the market. Severe anemia during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, and postpartum depression.

Weight Gain

Most pregnant folks will need to gain weight to grow a healthy baby. Gaining too much, however, can increase your likelihood of developing gestational diabetes and pose health risks for your baby. The recommended amount of weight gain depends on your weight and health prior to pregnancy, so be sure to speak with your midwife or other healthcare providers about suggestions right for you.

Gestational Diabetes

While excess weight gain can contribute to developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy, healthy individuals with normal weight gain can develop it, too. This condition increases the risks of premature birth and stillbirth or may lead to high birth weight for the baby and a lifelong diagnosis of diabetes for the pregnant individual. You’ll be offered gestational diabetes testing mid-way through pregnancy, and you can usually address it with careful monitoring and a strict diet. However, severe or uncontrolled gestational diabetes may require the care of out-of-birth-center resources and an obstetrician-led, hospital birth.

High Blood Pressure

Also called gestational hypertension, high blood pressure during pregnancy increases your risk for preeclampsia, eclampsia (seizures and or coma post-birth), placental abruption, and stroke. During your pregnancy, we check regularly for signs of high blood pressure and developing preeclampsia, which usually occurs after 20 weeks. If tests reveal protein in your urine or if you develop severe swelling, we may refer you to the care of a trusted hospital system to keep you and your baby safe for the remainder of your pregnancy.

Baby Who is Not Head Down

By the final weeks of pregnancy, your baby should be in a head-down position, preparing for their journey through the birth canal. In some pregnancies, however, babies remain in a breech (head-up) or transverse (lying horizontally) position. We recommend chiropractic care for most of our pregnant clients, but especially for those with breech or transverse babies late into pregnancy. Well-trained chiropractors may use adjustments to gently coax your baby into the correct position. Otherwise, you may be referred to hospital care, where medical doctors can safely attend your birth or perform a Cesarean section if necessary.

Going Past Your Due Date

Under Florida law, birth centers may not provide care for client who go past 42 weeks of pregnancy. At 40 weeks and 3-6 days, our team will order a biophysical profile (BPP) and ultrasound testing to evaluate the baby and score their health in utero. If the score is not at a certain level, the baby will need to come out sooner rather than later. Additionally, if labor doesn’t begin by 42 weeks with natural induction methods, clients will have to go to the hospital for a medical induction.

Miami’s Premier Natural Birthing Center – Prenatal Care and Birth Services in Miami

Do you have questions about antepartum care at Magnolia Birth House or what it means to have a low-risk pregnancy? Please feel free to email info@magnoliabirthhouse.com or call 786-613-4517 to connect with our team and learn more.