Risk Factors

 
 
 

Many people have health issues that can be well-controlled by lifestyle or medication, and can still give birth safely with Alma Midwifery.

Examples are:  

  • Thyroid disorders managed with medication

  • Mild asthma  

  • Depression managed with counseling or medication 

  • Pregnancy with a prior history of infertility   

  • Age 35 years or older

  • History of miscarriage  

  • Rh negative blood

  • Medical conditions which do not affect pregnancy or medical problems which may affect pregnancy, but are well-managed with a plan of care

Some conditions make a birth center birth potentially unsafe, or the extra support of a hospital is preferable or necessary for some clients. The following is a partial list of common medical conditions that would make a client not eligible for a birth center birth:

  • Development of high blood pressure with or without preeclampsia   

  • Large or small for gestational age babies as clinically indicated

  • Too much or not enough amniotic fluid

  • Very low platelet count

  • Labor before 37 weeks or after 42 weeks

Some situations (either pre-existing medical conditions or pregnancy induced) may risk a client out of Alma for the prenatal period and birth care: 

  • Previous cesarean section birth*

  • Twins   

  • High blood pressure before pregnancy or in pregnancy

  • Chronic hypertension

  • Kidney disease 

  • Active Cancer

  • Blood clotting disease currently on medication

Once you contact us for prenatal care, our intake process will include questions about your health history.

*Alma Midwifery believes in the right to have a Vaginal Birth After a Cesarean section (VBAC). Alma supports our excellent midwife colleagues who offer this option in a hospital-based setting.  Please seek this option through the Midwives at Legacy, OHSU, Providence, and Kaiser hospitals.