The news of a pregnancy is such a delightful moment and we know how frightening it is if you have been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy. We want to reassure you that with early and consistent prenatal care, many of our high-risk pregnancy moms still have healthy, little cherubs as well as being healthy themselves.
With lifestyle changes, a strong support network and regular meetings with your specialist obstetrician, you and your precious baby will get the care you both need. Here are our top guidelines for you.
Knowledge Is Power
A pregnancy that is diagnosed as high-risk means that there are factors that could harm you or your unborn baby, e.g. high blood pressure, preeclampsia, placenta previa, carrying multiple babies, your age, diabetes, previous miscarriages, abnormal fetal test results or other pre-existing health conditions.
Gather as much scientific information from credible sources as you can on your unique risks. Keep your communication open with your specialist obstetrician and jot down ongoing questions in a notebook.
If you are unsure whether you might be a high-risk mom before falling pregnant, then make a preconception appointment with your obstetrician.
Your Support Network
Reach out to reliable family members and friends and talk to them about the needs you do or might have during your pregnancy. Changes might include letting go of some commitments.
Ask your obstetrician about other medical professionals you can contact for guidance or support. Research high-risk pregnancy support groups near you ‒ the meetings can be very comforting and informative. There are also online high-risk pregnancy groups via social media.
Create A Health Plan
We understand that life happens while you are making plans, but planning your appointments, meetings, rest days, medicine or personal care shopping needs, hospital choice, hospital clothes, baby clothes, etc. will take a list of things off your ‘worry’ list.
Discuss your birth with the hospital liaison and notify them that it is a high-risk pregnancy and ascertain if they have the highest levels of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. If not, you might want to consider another facility.
You Are #1
This might sound arrogant but it is necessary right now as you are caring for two lives. Self-care is of paramount importance!
Maintain an exceptionally healthy diet, and avoid being exposed to toxins or risky environmental factors. Agree on an exercise regime with your obstetrician, get sufficient sleep and avoid stress as this releases cortisol. Stress and lack of sleep are proven contributors to disease, so be strict (without being anxious about it) about addressing these two.
Acknowledge Your Mental Health
Research statistics show that women with high-risk pregnancies often experience depression. Do not ignore the signs of it and don’t think that it’s “silly” to discuss. You will be experiencing a wide range of emotions and you might even start blaming yourself for the high-risk factors.
You are not alone. Chat with your obstetrician about mental health professionals who can help you process these emotions.
Final Thought
The most important takeaway from this article today is to contact us if you have any concerns about your pregnancy. We’re here to make your pregnancy journey as joyous and stress-free as possible
Discuss your pregnancy today with your specialist obstetrician in Chatsworth.