Pregnancy is one of the most magical experiences a couple can experience in their lifetime. It transforms a woman into a mother and a man into a father. Pregnancy helps us evolve both as a species inhabiting the earth and more personal, enabling us to raise and mold our children — our creation.
As enthralling as pregnancy is, it comes with its own set of hardships and challenges. It is a tedious and exciting journey before you get to see your offspring — 9 months. Not to mention all the extra attention and unique treatments one gets, especially when your body is overflowing with hormones and working round the clock to make a baby, literally!
We present this comprehensive guide highlighting things to be wary of during pregnancy and factors that can help smoothen your bumpy ride during a high-risk pregnancy. Before we dive in, let us understand what a high-risk pregnancy is and how it affects your body.
High-Risk Pregnancy Risk Factors
A high-risk pregnancy is a complication that usually presents itself depending on your medical history, lifestyle, and current health condition. You can develop a condition that puts your pregnancy at high-risk post conception as well.
The common risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy are:
- Your age is over 35 or under 20,
- You consume alcohol and nicotine during your pregnancy,
- If you have a history of preeclampsia, C-sections, or premature labor,
- You are suffering from preexisting autoimmune medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure,
- If you have an account of pregnancy loss, congenital disabilities, or stillbirth,
- You are suffering from anemia or other blood infections,
- If you have a history of mental health issues,
- You have restricted fetal growth.
5 Tips To Manage A High-Risk Pregnancy
Understanding the risk factors associated with a high-risk pregnancy paves the way for early diagnosis, allowing doctors to manage it with minimal risk. It helps women prepare themselves mentally, enabling them to take preventative measures to enjoy their pregnancy without stress.
Whether you find out your pregnancy is at high risk during conception or the planning stage, it is crucial to keep these tried and tested tips in mind.
1. Plan Ahead
A couple’s journey through pregnancy begins long before the actual conception; it starts with a thought. While watching “What to expect when you’re expecting” can be entertaining, it isn’t the right information source to base your pregnancy decisions.
However, the correct way to approach once you and your partner decide to plan your pregnancy is by consulting a specialist by arranging for a preconception appointment. Your doctor evaluates your current health status and may prescribe prenatal supplements to minimize the risks of a high-risk pregnancy.
2. Consider the Risk of Multiple Pregnancy With Fertility Treatment
If you choose to undergo fertility treatment, the chances of multiple pregnancies increases due to the ovulation-inducing drugs.
Multiple pregnancies can cause premature labor, which puts your pregnancy at a higher risk and usually requires your baby to spend an extended time in the NICU. It is vital to mentally prepare yourself for multiple pregnancies and choose the right doctor specializing in high-risk pregnancies.
3. Regular Check-Ups
Once you are through with the conception bit of your pregnancy journey, all that remains is proactively being on top of things such as your regular check-ups and ultrasounds. Prenatal consultations provide insights regarding your baby’s growth and development, enabling your doctor to prepare for future complications.
Prenatal consultations help track your baby’s progress at regular intervals, reducing the risk, especially in a high-risk pregnancy.
4. Diet & Nutrition
The phrase “eating for two” holds precedence when planning your diet during pregnancy. It doesn’t mean doubling your portion size; it has more to do with the nutritional power of the food you consume and how it gets utilized by your body and the growing fetus you host.
Vitamins such as folic acid, iron, calcium are used extensively by a pregnant woman’s body. Your gynecologist would customize the nutritional needs and prescribe prenatal supplements to fulfill the requirements.
5. Effective Weight Management
As you navigate through your pregnancy, another essential thing to keep in mind is being mindful of your diet and avoiding binge-eating or giving in to cravings. Obese women tend to fall under the high-risk pregnancy category.
Even if you are a healthy weight woman, keeping away the extra pounds is always advisable to reduce the risk factors surrounding your pregnancy. Consult your dietician and gynecologist to chart your diet plan allowing you to gain the right weight that creates the perfect ecosystem for you and your baby.
An excellent way to manage your weight is keeping track of your diet and weight watching throughout your pregnancy. Even if your pregnancy is classified as a high risk, you can turn things in your favor by keeping these tips in mind and under expert supervision.
Conclusion
The first step to managing your high-risk pregnancy is choosing a competent doctor and a hospital equipped with the right medical staff and state-of-the-art equipment. Rathi hospital is a leader in gynecology solutions delivering thousands of healthy babies managing high-risk pregnancies all year round.
It is essential to consult an empathetic doctor that makes you feel cared for and treats you and your baby with utmost care. If you are looking for high-risk pregnancy doctors in the Satellite area, Rathi Hospital is the place to be.
We hope this article provides insights to help you manage your high-risk pregnancy better. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with us!
