What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy is one that requires additional medical monitoring because certain maternal or pregnancy-related factors may increase the likelihood of complications before, during, or after birth.
Many babies born after high-risk pregnancies develop typically. Developmental assessments simply provide an opportunity to monitor growth and development more closely when appropriate.
Maternal Health Conditions
Certain maternal health conditions may increase the need for developmental follow-up, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Autoimmune disorders
- Certain infections during pregnancy
Birth-Related Factors
Some birth experiences may also lead healthcare providers to recommend developmental monitoring, such as:
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- NICU admission
- Birth complications affecting oxygen or medical stability
Having one or more of these factors does not mean a child will experience developmental delays. Every child develops differently.
Why Developmental Monitoring Matters
The first three years of life are a period of rapid brain growth and learning.
For children born after high-risk pregnancies, developmental monitoring can provide valuable insight into how different areas of development are progressing, including:
- Communication and language
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Cognitive development
- Social and emotional development
- Feeding and oral motor skills
Monitoring development is designed to provide information, not a diagnosis, and often gives families reassurance that development is progressing as expected.
Which Children May Benefit From a Developmental Assessment?
Some infants may benefit from an evaluation if they have experienced one or more of the following.
Babies Born Prematurely
Children born before full-term may benefit from developmental monitoring as they reach important milestones.
Babies With Low Birth Weight
Monitoring can help ensure developmental progress is occurring appropriately over time.
Babies Who Spent Time in the NICU
NICU graduates sometimes receive developmental follow-up because of their early medical history.
Babies With Birth Complications
Children who experienced medical complications during birth may benefit from developmental observation during infancy.
Children Showing Early Developmental Differences
Parents may notice:
- Delayed developmental milestones
- Feeding difficulties
- Limited eye contact
- Muscle stiffness or low muscle tone
- Delayed communication
When Should Parents Consider an Assessment?
Every child develops at their own pace.
Parents often schedule an evaluation when they:
- Have questions about developmental milestones
- Receive a recommendation from their pediatrician
- Have a child born after a high-risk pregnancy
- Want reassurance about developmental progress
- Notice differences in communication, movement, or interaction
Developmental Milestone Monitoring
Birth–6 Months
Early movement, feeding, visual tracking, and social engagement.
12–24 Months
Walking, language development, play skills, and learning.
24–36 Months
Social interaction, problem-solving, communication, and independence.
What Happens During a Developmental Assessment?
Our assessments are designed to be supportive, family-centered, and child-friendly.
Medical & Birth History Review
We begin by learning about pregnancy, birth history, medical background, and developmental concerns.
Developmental Observation
Your child is observed through age-appropriate activities that assess multiple developmental areas.
Standardized Developmental Screening
Evidence-based developmental tools help evaluate milestone progress.
Parent Discussion
We listen carefully to your observations and answer your questions throughout the process.
Personalized Recommendations
Families receive a clear explanation of findings along with guidance on appropriate next steps when needed.
Why Early Identification Matters
Understanding development early can help families make informed decisions as their child grows.
Benefits may include:
- Earlier access to developmental support
- Better understanding of developmental strengths
- Guidance for future evaluations or services
- Greater confidence for parents
- Peace of mind when development is progressing well
Developmental Areas We Evaluate
Our assessments consider development across multiple areas, including:
- Communication Development
- Cognitive Development
- Fine Motor Skills
- Gross Motor Skills
- Social-Emotional Development
- Adaptive Skills
- Feeding Development
- Sensory Processing
- Autism-Related Developmental Concerns
Why Families Choose Stars Assessment Center
- Specialists in developmental assessments for infants and toddlers
- Family-centered, compassionate approach
- Evidence-based developmental evaluations
- Clear explanations and personalized guidance
- Serving families throughout Northern & Central California
- Assessments for children from birth to age 3
Looking for Answers About Your Child's Development?
If your child was born after a high-risk pregnancy, or you simply want a better understanding of their developmental progress, our team is here to help.
A developmental assessment can provide valuable insight, answer your questions, and help you feel more confident about your child's developmental journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many children develop typically, but an assessment can provide reassurance or identify areas that may benefit from monitoring.
Some premature infants benefit from developmental monitoring even when they appear to be progressing well.
Yes. Assessments may identify developmental differences before they become more noticeable over time.
Developmental evaluations can be completed anytime from birth through age three when concerns or questions arise.
No. Families can contact Stars Assessment Center directly to schedule an assessment.
That's valuable information too. Many families leave with reassurance and a clearer understanding of their child's developmental progress.