High-Risk Pregnancy Care in Istanbul (European Side) – Safe Motherhood with Expert Gynecologists

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful journeys in a woman’s life. However, some pregnancies require closer medical attention and specialized monitoring to protect the health of both mother and baby.
Such cases are known as high-risk pregnancies.
At our high-risk pregnancy clinics on the European Side of Istanbul, experienced obstetricians provide comprehensive monitoring and care using modern technology and evidence-based medical protocols.

For information and appointments: +90 541 998 34 34

What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?

A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the health of the mother, baby, or both may be at greater-than-average risk for complications during pregnancy or delivery.
These pregnancies do not always result in problems, but they require more frequent check-ups, detailed ultrasounds, and continuous supervision by a qualified OB-GYN or perinatologist.
Early diagnosis and personalized management dramatically improve outcomes for both mother and baby.

Why Specialized Follow-Up Matters

In Istanbul’s European Side, leading maternity hospitals and women’s health centers offer high-risk pregnancy programs that combine advanced diagnostic imaging, fetal monitoring, and personalized obstetric planning.
Regular monitoring allows physicians to:

Detect fetal growth restrictions at an early stage
Control high blood pressure or gestational diabetes
Prevent premature birth
Plan the safest time and mode of delivery
Provide emergency response when needed

Timely and consistent follow-up is the key to a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery.

Common Causes of High-Risk Pregnancies

High-risk pregnancies may arise from maternal health conditions, pregnancy-related factors, or previous pregnancy experiences.

1. Maternal Factors

Age under 18 or over 35 years
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Diabetes mellitus
Heart, kidney, or thyroid disease
Obesity or being underweight
Blood-clotting disorders
Chronic infections such as hepatitis or HIV

2. Pregnancy-Related Factors

Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
Placenta previa or placental abruption
Pre-eclampsia / eclampsia
Gestational diabetes
Premature rupture of membranes
Fetal growth restriction (IUGR)

3. Previous Pregnancy History

Recurrent miscarriage or stillbirth
Preterm birth in a prior pregnancy
Cesarean section scar complications
Uterine anomalies

Each expectant mother is evaluated individually. At European-Side Istanbul clinics, care plans are tailored to each woman’s medical history and current pregnancy status.

Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Certain symptoms during pregnancy warrant urgent evaluation by a doctor:

Vaginal bleeding or brown discharge
Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
Persistent headache or blurred vision
Sudden swelling of hands, face, or legs
Noticeably decreased fetal movements
High blood pressure readings
Regular contractions or leaking of amniotic fluid

These may indicate placental problems, pre-eclampsia, or preterm labor.
Early evaluation can prevent serious complications.

Key Tests in High-Risk Pregnancy Monitoring

1. Detailed (Level-II) Ultrasound

Performed between weeks 18 and 22, this scan examines the baby’s brain, heart, spine, abdomen, kidneys, and placenta.
Modern hospitals on Istanbul’s European Side use high-resolution imaging systems to detect anomalies early.

2. Screening and Blood Tests

First-Trimester Combined Test (weeks 11-14)
Triple or Quadruple Test (weeks 16-18)
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test)
These screenings assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome.

3. NST (Non-Stress Test)

Used mainly in the last trimester to evaluate the baby’s heartbeat and uterine contractions.
In high-risk cases, it may be performed once or twice weekly.

4. Doppler Ultrasound

Assesses blood flow through the placenta and umbilical cord to ensure the baby receives enough oxygen and nutrients.

5. Laboratory Monitoring

Regular checks of blood sugar, thyroid function, hemoglobin, and kidney parameters help track maternal health throughout pregnancy.

Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition Tips

Medical supervision must be complemented by proper nutrition and lifestyle habits.
At our Istanbul centers, dietitians and obstetric specialists create personalized plans for each expectant mother.

Eat balanced meals rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Reduce salt and sugar intake.
Drink at least 2 liters of water daily.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and smoking.
Exercise moderately with your doctor’s approval (e.g., light walking).
Sleep regularly and manage stress effectively.

Following these recommendations reduces complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and excessive weight gain.

Most Common Complications in High-Risk Pregnancies

Pre-eclampsia (Pregnancy Toxemia)

Characterized by high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine.
If untreated, it can endanger both mother and baby.
Regular monitoring allows early intervention with medication or timely delivery.

Gestational Diabetes

Occurs when blood sugar rises during pregnancy.
It is managed with a specialized diet, physical activity, and, if necessary, insulin therapy.

Fetal Growth Restriction (IUGR)

The baby grows slower than expected inside the womb.
Frequent Doppler scans help determine the right timing for delivery.

Preterm Labor

When contractions or membrane rupture begin before 37 weeks.
Rest, medication, and hospital monitoring help prolong pregnancy safely.

Hospitals and Clinics Offering High-Risk Pregnancy Care in Istanbul (European Side)

The European Side of Istanbul hosts many modern medical centers in Bakırköy, Şişli, Beşiktaş, Mecidiyeköy, Bahçelievler, and Beylikdüzü.
When choosing a hospital or clinic, consider the following features:

Experienced obstetrician–gynecologist and perinatology specialists
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) support
24-hour delivery and anesthesia teams
Emergency cesarean readiness
Fully equipped laboratory and imaging units
Respect for privacy and patient comfort

Selecting a well-equipped facility ensures safety for both mother and newborn during every stage of care.

Delivery Planning for High-Risk Pregnancies

The delivery method and timing are decided individually based on medical indications.
While some high-risk pregnancies can end in vaginal birth, many require planned cesarean delivery to protect mother and baby.
Before early delivery, steroid medication may be administered to help the baby’s lungs mature.

Experienced Istanbul obstetricians prepare detailed birth plans to ensure that labor and delivery proceed safely under close supervision.

Postpartum (After-Delivery) Follow-Up

Medical monitoring continues even after birth.
Women with high-risk pregnancies may experience post-delivery complications such as bleeding, infection, or hypertension.
Babies may need observation for breathing, blood sugar, or feeding issues.

Hospitals on Istanbul’s European Side provide comprehensive mother-and-baby follow-up programs, offering physical and emotional support throughout the recovery period.

Why Choose High-Risk Pregnancy Clinics on Istanbul’s European Side

Expert team of gynecologists, perinatologists, and neonatologists
State-of-the-art imaging and fetal monitoring technologies
Personalized care in multiple languages (English, Arabic, Russian)
Centrally located facilities near major transportation hubs and airports
Patient-centered approach emphasizing privacy and comfort

Our mission is to ensure that every mother-to-be experiences a safe, informed, and compassionate pregnancy journey.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you have a chronic health condition, experienced complications in a previous pregnancy, or are expecting twins, early consultation is crucial.
High-risk pregnancy care on Istanbul’s European Side offers everything needed for a healthy and confident delivery experience.
Contact our specialist team for personalized evaluation and continuous support throughout your pregnancy.