How to Manage a High-Risk Pregnancy

Approximately 8% of all pregnancies are high risk. While it is a small figure and most women experience normal pregnancies, learning more about common complications during pregnancy can be quite helpful. It will enable you to not only make the right decisions about your health, but the baby’s as well. As a woman, you must understand that all pregnancies are different. Some start as low risk and stay like that until childbirth. Others start as a low risk, then complications, like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, develop mid-pregnancy, and suddenly medical attention becomes critical. For others, although rarely, their pregnancy is a high risk one from the start. If you are pregnant or planning to be, learn more about high-risk obstetrics in Providence to improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy. Also, the following are some things you can do to manage your high-risk pregnancy as you prepare to book a prenatal appointment:

Maintain a Healthy Weight Before Pregnancy

If you plan to get pregnant, you must understand that being overweight or obese increases the possibility of sustaining various complications such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and stillbirth. When you stay in good shape with a healthy weight, you reduce the risk of complications. It is advisable to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly before your pregnancy. Once you get pregnant, stick to the doctor’s guidelines regarding your weight to ensure healthy labor and delivery.

Take Control of Your Pre-existing Health Conditions

Ignoring your pre-existing health conditions can make your pregnancy high risk. Some of the conditions that may be of concern include high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, and autoimmune diseases. As a woman, pregnancy makes your body go through lots of changes, and it can be overwhelming to some extent. Managing your pre-existing conditions with medication and a healthy lifestyle before you get pregnant enables you to avoid complications when pregnant.

Avoid Drinking and Smoking

If you are thinking of getting pregnant, be prepared to kick the smoking habit for good. Likewise, alcohol and pregnancy are two things that do not work together well. You might also want to limit your caffeine intake. No matter how healthy you are, smoking and drinking can quickly make you susceptible to a high-risk pregnancy.

Seek Regular Prenatal Care

Prenatal visits play a crucial role in any pregnancy. They help your health care provider to monitor your health and that of the baby closely. Depending on your situation, you might be referred to a specialist in maternal-fetal medicine, genetics, pediatrics, or any other area of concern.

A high-risk pregnancy can be quite challenging, with many ups and downs. However, it does not mean you will not see it through and give birth successfully despite the risk involved. Please do your best to stay positive, no matter how tough it might get. Take the necessary steps and precautions to promote a healthy pregnancy. Most importantly, have a good relationship with your provider to get expert help whenever you need it.