There aren’t many moments in life that can match up to the elation and happiness that pregnancy can bring to a family. Especially for mothers that have been trying or have had difficulty getting pregnant. How quickly those emotions can turn to fear and anxiety when you are diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy. 

Having a high-risk pregnancy means you have multiple conditions that increase the risk of you or your baby having medical issues throughout pregnancy or delivery. Luckily, with early detection and regular prenatal care, high-risk pregnancies can still have healthy babies and be safe for both mama and baby.

In order to maintain the health of everyone involved, it’s important to have a strong support system, may require lifestyle changes, and a full customized healthcare plan for getting the care you need. Although some risks are out of your control, there are still things you can do to manage the risk of complications and feel better during the duration of your pregnancy.

Go To All Your Prenatal Care Appointments

Every high risk pregnancy presents it’s own situation and may require additional lab tests and checkups throughout the full pregnancy. Since pregnancy presents a constant state of change, frequent visits are recommended to monitor these changes. As the baby grows, your healthcare provider can monitor the effect of change on you and your baby’s health. Prenatal visits play a significant role in maintaining healthy change and growth. Studies show that without the proper prenatal care, babies are 3x more likely to be born with a low birth weight and 5x more likely to die before or during delivery. 

During this time, it is best to ask about all questions and concerns while changes are happening in real time. This also provides a caring support system to help deal with all the circumstances surrounding you and your baby.

Manage Pre-Existing Conditions

There are many genetic factors that can affect your pregnancy. Some you may be completely unaware of that can play a role in the health of your pregnancy. It will be more likely that chronic health conditions will contribute to complications during pregnancy. Chronic health conditions can be as common as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or sexually transmitted diseases. 

Managing these chronic issues before, during and after pregnancy can help reduce the risk of complications and the furthering of them. For example, conditions like obesity, or being overweight, can result in preeclampsia, stillbirth, or gestational diabetes. Reaching a healthy weight before you get pregnant can reduce these risks. 

A high-risk pregnancy can also increase your risk of new medical conditions. If this occurs, your healthcare provider will have to develop a new treatment plan and routines for you to follow to continue on a healthy pregnancy. 

Avoid Risky Substances

It goes without saying, alcohol and cigarettes are not good for you, regularly. This definitely applies when you’re pregnant. Not only is it not good for you, but for the development of your child. Reduce your exposure to toxins, and harmful environmental factors. That includes second-hand smoke. Talk to your doctor about any supplements or over the counter medications you are taking and take only what is approved by your healthcare provider.

Maintain A Healthy Lifestyle

Studies show there is a correlation between stress and disease so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important, not just for you, but the health of your pregnancy. This means making yourself a priority. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and sleep helps reduce the amount of the stress on the body. This has shown to have significant improvement in pregnancy and the delivery process. 

Obesity can cause a number of implications during pregnancy. Maintaining a healthy weight is an extremely important factor in a high-risk pregnancy.  Your healthcare provider will list a range of approved weight gain limits to keep you at your healthiest. This in combination with a healthy diet, and regular activity (unless advised otherwise) can help reduce the risk of certain factors. 

With many factors that play into high-risk pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about how to manage all or any medical conditions during your pregnancy. The health of you and your baby is of the utmost importance. In order to maintain a healthy pregnancy, take all precautions with the best of care. Make sure to contact your doctor if you experience:

• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Vaginal bleeding or watery discharge
• Pain or burning with urination
• Dizziness 
• Decreased fetal activity
• Change in vision
• Severe swelling
• Pain or cramping in the lower abdomen

Although high-risk pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster… the right precautions, supportive care, and a positive lifestyle are the best steps to promote the healthiest pregnancy.

You Don’t Have To Navigate High-Risk Pregnancy Alone, Call Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine in NYC For Prenatal Care

During this time, it helps knowing you have the best prenatal care delivered by compassionate experts who understand your challenges. We know you’ll receive this type of exceptional high-risk pregnancy care from the team at Rosh Maternal & Fetal Medicine. If you have any concerns about your pregnancy, call their office in the Midtown East area of New York City, or schedule an appointment online for a high-risk pregnancy consult.