High and Low Risk Pregnancies

Dr Devi Subramanian, Consultant Obstetrician and Fetal Medicine Specialist at King’s College Hospital, brings over 15 years of expertise in caring for women with a wide range of pregnancy needs. Her calm, evidence-based approach ensures that every mother receives safe, tailored care from early pregnancy to delivery and beyond.

Understanding Low-Risk Pregnancy

A low-risk pregnancy means there are no known medical complications affecting the mother or the baby. Many women fall into this category, and with the right antenatal care, they enjoy a smooth, healthy pregnancy.

Even in a low-risk pregnancy, consultant-led care remains extremely valuable. It provides

• Personalised antenatal assessments
• Expert monitoring of fetal growth and wellbeing
• Early identification of potential complications
• Tailored birth planning
• Immediate access to advanced care if needed

Low-risk pregnancies can sometimes change as pregnancy progresses or even in labour, and having an experienced consultant ensures that any new developments are identified early and managed promptly.

What Defines a High-Risk Pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy requires closer monitoring because either the mother, the baby, or both have an increased chance of developing complications. High-risk pregnancies are common, and with specialist care, most result in healthy outcomes.

You may be considered high risk if you have

• Pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, or autoimmune disorders
• A history of previous caesarean section or complicated birth
• Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
• Placenta-related issues such as placenta praevia
• Uterine fibroids or anatomical concerns
• A history of preterm birth or miscarriage
• Growth concerns, fetal anomalies, or suspected fetal growth restriction
• Maternal age above 40
• A pregnancy conceived through IVF or assisted conception

A pregnancy can also become high risk at any point due to new developments, which is why continuous specialist oversight is so important.

Comprehensive Consultant-Led Care for High-Risk Pregnancies

High-risk pregnancies benefit greatly from being managed by an obstetrician with specialist training in fetal medicine. Dr Subramanian offers

• Detailed fetal assessments and growth scans
• Close monitoring of maternal health
• Early detection and management of complications
• Multidisciplinary care when needed (e.g., endocrinology, cardiology)
• Individualised birth planning
• Timely interventions to ensure safety

Her experience in managing complex situations—such as cervical insufficiency, fibroid complications, and pregnancies at risk of preterm birth—provides reassurance for women who need advanced clinical oversight.

Tailored Birth Planning for Every Risk Category

Birth planning is an essential part of managing both high and low-risk pregnancies. Dr Subramanian works closely with each patient to design a safe, personalised birth plan based on

• Medical history
• Pregnancy progression
• Delivery options (vaginal birth or caesarean section)
• Pain management preferences
• Required monitoring during labour
• Measures to optimise safety for baby and mother

High-risk pregnancies often require planned delivery at a specific time or setting, and consultant-led management ensures a controlled, safe approach tailored to each woman’s needs.

Reassurance and Continuity Throughout Your Pregnancy

Regardless of your risk category, having direct access to a highly experienced consultant means you receive

• Continuity of care
• Clear communication
• Confidence in every decision
• Timely investigations and scans
• A calm, supportive environment

Women often find that simply knowing a specialist is overseeing their entire pregnancy journey brings a sense of reassurance and confidence.

Supporting You at Every Step

Whether your pregnancy is low risk and progressing normally, or high risk and requiring additional monitoring, you will receive the same level of dedication, expertise, and compassionate care.

Dr Subramanian’s goal is simple: to ensure the safest possible pregnancy and birth experience, tailored to your individual circumstances and preferences.