While pregnancy is usually joyful, you’ve just found out yours is considered “high-risk.” What does that mean, and how are you supposed to deal with this?
Take a deep breath, mama! A high-risk pregnancy just means you need a little extra monitoring and care.
Many moms experience high-risk pregnancies and go on to have normal deliveries. Ready to learn more about what to expect and how to stay healthy? Keep on reading—we’ve got you covered!
What Exactly Constitutes a High-Risk Pregnancy?
So, you’re pregnant—congratulations! But your doctor has told you it’s considered “high-risk.” What does that mean exactly?
A high-risk pregnancy means there’s an increased chance of complications that could affect you or your baby. This could be due to a health condition you have like diabetes or high blood pressure, your age (over 35), or issues with your pregnancy like carrying multiples or problems with the placenta.
The good news is, many high-risk pregnancies proceed without issues when properly managed. But it does mean extra monitoring and care. You’ll have more frequent prenatal checkups, ultrasounds, and testing. You may need to see a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. The key is to follow your doctor’s recommendations closely, get plenty of rest, reduce stress, and avoid alcohol, drugs, and smoking.
Some warning signs to watch for include bleeding, decreased fetal movement, abdominal pain, and preterm labor. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor right away if anything concerns you. The risks may be higher, but by working closely with your medical team, you can have a safe pregnancy and delivery.
Try not to worry too much, though easier said than done! Connecting with other parents experiencing high-risk pregnancies can help you feel less alone and more empowered. Stay positive—with the right care and precautions, the odds are very much in your favor of having a healthy baby. You’ve got this, mama! Focus on taking things day by day and appreciate each milestone. A high-risk pregnancy is challenging, but the reward will be so worth it.
How Will You Know if I Have a High-Risk Pregnancy?
While most pregnancies are considered low-risk, some may be labeled “high-risk” due to certain conditions. How will you know if yours qualifies?
- If you’re over 35, you automatically have a higher chance of complications, so your doctor will monitor you closely. Likewise, if you’ve had health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease before pregnancy.
- Do you have a history of miscarriage or preterm labor? That can increase risks this time around.
- Are you carrying multiples? Twins, triplets, and beyond always mean a high-risk pregnancy.
- Did you have any problems in a previous pregnancy like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or placental issues? Your doctor will be on alert for them again.
- An abnormal Pap smear, infections like rubella or toxoplasmosis, blood clotting disorders, obesity or underweight before pregnancy, and substance abuse issues can also raise red flags. Don’t panic, though—with diligent prenatal care, risks can often be managed and you can have a healthy baby.
Open communication with your doctor is key. Ask questions, voice all your concerns, and follow their recommendations closely. Take good care of yourself by maintaining a healthy diet, reducing stress, limiting activities, and avoiding alcohol and drugs. With the right precautions and medical team supporting you, your high-risk pregnancy can have a happy ending. Stay positive!
How to Cope with a High-Risk Pregnancy Diagnosis?
A high-risk pregnancy diagnosis can be scary and stressful. Here are some tips to help you cope:
- Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about your specific condition and risks. Ask your doctor to explain things in detail and do your research from reputable sources. Knowledge is power, and the more you understand the better equipped you’ll be to follow your doctor’s recommendations.
- Follow your doctor’s orders. Make sure you closely follow the care plan outlined by your doctor to minimize risks and complications. This may include more frequent prenatal visits, special tests, medication, bed rest, or restricted activity. Compliance is key.
- Reduce stress. Try relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing to lower your stress levels. Stress can negatively impact your health and pregnancy, so keeping it in check is important. Spend time with loved ones who support and comfort you.
- Prepare early. Don’t wait until the third trimester to prepare in case your baby arrives early. Have your bag packed, a plan for childcare in place, and your home ready for a new baby by 28 to 32 weeks. This can help reduce anxiety and ensure you’re not caught off guard if you have to deliver prematurely.
- Ask for help. Don’t try to handle everything yourself. Ask family and friends for help with daily tasks like cleaning, cooking meals, running errands, or childcare. Let others support you—you need to focus on your health and pregnancy.
- Stay optimistic. Maintain a positive mindset. While there are risks, many high-risk pregnancies proceed without complication and result in the birth of a healthy baby. Take things day by day, focus on the things you can control, and try to reduce negative thoughts. Your outlook can make a difference!
With the right care and support, a high-risk pregnancy can often be managed well. Follow your doctor’s lead, lean on others for help, and try to stay positive—you’ve got this! The result will make all the challenges worthwhile.
So, in summary, while being diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy can be scary, try not to panic. Arm yourself with knowledge about your specific condition and risks, follow your doctor’s recommendations closely, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to speak up if you have concerns.
Focus on staying healthy, reducing stress, and connecting with your support network. Even though your pregnancy may require extra monitoring and care, many high-risk pregnancies result in the delivery of healthy babies. You’ve got this, mama.
Do your best to enjoy this special time in your life, and before you know it, you’ll be holding your precious bundle of joy. Best of luck to you, and remember — you’re stronger than you realize.
