It is a wonderful pregnancy period, full of happiness, hopefulness, and perhaps a share of anxiety as well. Every moment is special since that first ultrasound down to those baby name debates. However, there are some occasions when, at a general checkup, a doctor could say something that makes your heart beat faster: It is a high-risk pregnancy.
Now, that is a scary phrase, right? But, first, one thing I want to put straight, it is not a bad thing. It only implies that your pregnancy will require more attention in order to ensure that you and your baby remain healthy and safe.
What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
High-risk pregnancy implies a somewhat increased risk of complications in comparison with the normal pregnancy. This may be as a result of a number of reasons, your age, health status, lifestyle, or even because you are carrying more than one baby.
Women over 35, under 17, or those with health issues like diabetes, thyroid disorders, or high blood pressure are more likely to be placed under high risk pregnancy care. To such cases, doctors prescribe regular visits and high-level monitoring, simply to ensure that everything is going on well.
What High-Risk Pregnancy Care Consists of?
So, what exactly happens when you’re put under high risk pregnancy care? It is not as complex as it makes it sound. It will only require that your doctor will be more attentive to your condition and the progress of your baby.
You might have:
- Checkups and ultrasounds of growth on a more regular basis.
- Special blood tests to identify problems early such as anemia or gestational diabetes.
- Dietary advice based on the requirements of your body.
- Referrals to an expert, such as a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) doctor, who deals with complicated pregnancies.
Other women would ask, is high risk pregnancy the reason why I will surely have a C-section? Not necessarily! With proper high risk pregnancy care, many women still deliver vaginally. Constant watchfulness and contact with your doctor are the key.
Why It Happens and How to Manage It
The causes of making a pregnancy high-risk are numerous, and most of them can be treated successfully provided in a timely manner. Some common causes include:
- Preexisting conditions such as hypertension, PCOS or heart disease.
- Pregnancy related conditions like preeclampsia or placenta Previa.
- Carrying twins or triplets.
- Lifestyle such as smoking or unhealthy diet.
The goal of high risk pregnancy care is to identify these risks early and manage them before they affect you or your baby. As an example, when your blood sugar level is increasing, your physician may change your diet or prescribe drug. Should the growth of your baby be retarded, additional nutrients or rest may be beneficial?
Taking Care of Yourself Emotionally and Physically
Pregnancy is not only physical, but is emotional. Being told you need high risk pregnancy care can make anyone anxious. However, keep in mind that stress will not do your body and your baby good.
Try focusing on:
- Good nutrition: fruits, proteins, and whole grains are a long way.
- Light exercise: prenatal yoga or walking (only with the permission of your doctor).
- Sleeping good: your physical being is doing wonders.
- Sharing Feelings: Telling your partner or support group about how you feel.
The question may be; could stress have an impact on pregnancy? Yes, long-term stress does have the ability to affect blood pressure and hormones. That’s why emotional well-being plays an important role too.
How Modern Medicine Helps?
Medicine and technology today have made high risk pregnancy care safer and smarter than ever. Complex ultrasounds, fetal surveillance, and genetic diagnosis are able to identify problems in their early stages, to the point that symptoms may not even manifest.
There are also some clinics that provide telehealth sessions, meaning you will receive professional help without having to leave the house at all, which is great because moms need rest. Modern care is the combination of skills, attentiveness, and technology to provide you with peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Whatever we call it, pregnancy is a strength and love affair. When your doctor says that you require special attention, he/she is only reassuring you, not alarming you. With proper high risk pregnancy care, countless women go on to have perfectly healthy babies.
There is no need to panic then, be informed, listen to your physician and take care of yourself. It is important to remember that no pregnancy is the same and the additional care you give to the baby only guarantees your child the best possible in life.
