High-Risk Pregnancy Care

Patient Education Guide

Understanding Small for Gestational Age

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Consultation

Your Baby's Current Status

✓ Reassuring Findings

Biophysical Profile

8/8

Excellent score

Fetal Heart Rate

Normal

Healthy range

Amniotic Fluid

Normal

Appropriate levels

Umbilical Dopplers

Normal

Good blood flow

Monitoring Items

• Breech presentation noted

• Small for gestational age

Understanding Small for Gestational Age

What does this mean?

Your baby is measuring smaller than average for this stage of pregnancy. This doesn't mean something is wrong, but it does mean we need to monitor your baby more closely.

Why we're monitoring closely:

To ensure your baby is getting enough nutrition and oxygen

To watch for any changes in your baby's growth pattern

To plan the safest time and method for delivery

The good news: Your baby's current tests are reassuring and show healthy function.

Managing Your Health

Typical Health Considerations

Blood Pressure

Monitored

Weight

Tracked

BMI

Assessed

Areas we monitor closely:

• Delivery planning and potential delivery methods

• Blood pressure and signs of complications

• Fetal monitoring throughout pregnancy

Important Note:

Avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy is crucial for your baby's growth and development.

Delivery Planning

Typical Delivery Timeline

39 Weeks

Delivery is typically recommended at 39 weeks gestation for small for gestational age diagnosis

Breech Presentation

When baby is in a breech position (bottom-down instead of head-down), your care team monitors position throughout pregnancy.

The safest delivery method will be discussed based on baby's position at term.

Delivery Considerations

Your care team considers multiple factors when planning delivery.

All options will be discussed to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.

Important: Regular follow-up appointments are essential in the weeks before delivery.

Warning Signs

🚨 Call 911 or Go to Emergency Room:

Severe headache, vision changes, severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or sudden swelling in face or hands

📞 Call Your Doctor's Office:

Decreased fetal movement, leaking fluid, regular contractions before 37 weeks, persistent nausea/vomiting, or fever over 100.4°F

Trust your instincts - if something doesn't feel right, call your healthcare provider.

Your Care Plan

Ongoing Care Schedule

1. Continued fetal surveillance with regular biophysical profiles

2. Monitor fetal position to check if baby turns from breech

3. Regular follow-up appointments leading up to delivery

📅 Next Steps

Your doctor's office will schedule your follow-up appointments. Make sure to attend all scheduled visits for the best care for you and your baby.

You're Not Alone

Remember

Having a high-risk pregnancy doesn't mean something will go wrong. It means your care team is taking extra care to ensure the best outcome for you and your baby.

📋 Questions

Write down any questions between visits. No question is too small - your care team wants you to feel informed and supported.

👥 Support

Bring a support person to appointments if it helps. Having someone with you can make it easier to remember information.

Your Care Team is Here to Help

Call your doctor's office with any questions or concerns throughout your pregnancy.

1 / 8