Pregnancy-Related Conditions

Specialized Care When Your Pregnancy Needs Extra Attention

Most pregnancies move along without trouble, but some bring complications that call for closer monitoring and a more tailored plan. At West Des Moines OBGYN Associates, our all-women care team has deep experience managing pregnancies that fall outside the routine. Whether you’re navigating a chronic condition you had before conceiving or something that develops along the way, we’re here to keep you informed and keep you and your baby healthy.

If you’ve been told your pregnancy is high-risk, take a breath. The label simply means we’ll watch a little more closely and stay in closer touch. Many women with high-risk pregnancies go on to have healthy babies, and you won’t be doing it alone.

Questions about your pregnancy? Call (515) 223-5466 to talk with our team.

On This Page

Conditions Before Pregnancy | Early Pregnancy Complications | Conditions Later in Pregnancy | Conditions During Delivery | Managing a High-Risk Pregnancy | When to Seek Medical Attention

Conditions That Exist Before Pregnancy

Some health factors are already in the picture before you conceive, and they shape how we plan your care from the very first visit. These include:

• Chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart disorders, and autoimmune diseases
• Advanced maternal age, generally 35 and older at delivery
• Previous pregnancy issues, including a history of preterm birth, pregnancy loss, or complications in an earlier pregnancy
• Lifestyle choices, such as smoking, alcohol use, or substance use, which we can help you address with confidential, judgment-free support

If any of these apply to you, let us know early, ideally before you conceive. Our preconception planning helps us get ahead of potential concerns and start your pregnancy on the strongest footing.

Conditions That Develop During Pregnancy

Other conditions surface as your pregnancy progresses. We screen for these at your prenatal visits so we can catch them early, when they’re most manageable.

Early pregnancy complications

• Ectopic pregnancy, when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus
• Miscarriage, the loss of a pregnancy in the early weeks
• Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), severe nausea and vomiting that goes well beyond typical morning sickness
• Congenital disorders, conditions present in the baby from development

Conditions later in pregnancy

• Gestational diabetes, high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after delivery
• Preeclampsia, high blood pressure that can affect your organs and your baby’s growth
• Placental abruption, when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery
• Placenta previa, when the placenta covers part or all of the cervix
• Preterm labor, labor that begins before 37 weeks
• Infections, which we monitor for and treat to protect you and your baby

If you’re managing one of these conditions, our Obstetrics FAQs page covers many of them in greater depth, including the warning signs of preterm labor and what to watch for.

What Do I Do if I Have Any of the Following Discomforts?

Pregnancy brings a lot of changes to your body, and it’s not always easy to tell what’s normal and what needs a call. Heartburn, back pain, swelling, leg cramps, and headaches are all common, and many have safe, simple remedies. Our FAQ page walks through these discomforts one by one, along with the acceptable medications and treatments for each.

Read about common pregnancy discomforts and how to manage them →

When in doubt, call us. We’d always rather hear from you than have you worry on your own.

Conditions That Can Arise During Delivery

Even a smooth pregnancy can hit a snag during labor and delivery, and our physicians are trained to respond quickly when it does. Two of the more common situations include:

• Prolonged labor, when labor doesn’t progress as expected, which we manage actively to keep you and your baby safe
• Delivery complications, ranging from issues with the baby’s position to concerns about fetal heart rate, all of which our team is equipped to handle in the moment

Because we deliver at MercyOne hospitals with experienced nursing staff and access to neonatal care, support is right there if your baby needs it.

Managing a High-Risk Pregnancy

A high-risk pregnancy usually means a few adjustments to your care, not a complete overhaul of your life. Depending on your situation, that might include more frequent prenatal visits, additional ultrasounds to track growth and fluid, in-office non-stress tests and biophysical profiles in the third trimester, and closer coordination with maternal-fetal medicine specialists when needed.

We’ll explain why each step matters and what we’re watching for, so you’re never left guessing. Our goal is steady, attentive care that adapts as your pregnancy does.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, call us. Some symptoms warrant a call any time, day or night:

• Vaginal bleeding
• Severe or continuous headache
• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent dim or blurred vision
• Chills or fever of 100 degrees or higher
• Painful urination
• Fluid leaking from the vagina
• A noticeable change in your baby’s movement

You should never feel like you’re bothering us. Reaching out is exactly what we want you to do.

Dedicated OB Emergency Care Through the MercyOne OBED

One of the advantages of choosing West Des Moines OBGYN Associates when you’re pregnant is that our doctors staff the Obstetrics Emergency Department at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. Open 24/7, the MercyOne Obstetrics Emergency Department (OBED) provides specialized, immediate care to pregnant women with emergencies as well as postpartum emergencies.

Unlike a general ER, the OBED is staffed by board-certified OBGYN physicians and is separate from the Labor and Delivery unit, so you’ll typically be seen by an obstetrician within 30 minutes rather than waiting on a triage nurse. Whether your pregnancy is high-risk or low-risk, it’s reassuring to know where to go when you need urgent care.

Learn more about obstetric emergencies and the MercyOne OBED →

You’re in Good Hands

A high-risk pregnancy or an unexpected complication can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t change our commitment to you. Our experienced providers will walk with you through every appointment, every test, and every decision, with clear answers and genuine care.

Have concerns about your pregnancy? Call (515) 223-5466 to schedule a visit with our team.