How to Deal with a High Risk Pregnancy

Pregnancy in itself is a stressful time. Being responsible for the life of another human being is a great deal of responsibility. Add to it a situation that makes the pregnancy high risk, and the stress level increases dramatically. In a high-risk pregnancy the ultimate goal is to have a healthy baby, and keep the mother safe and healthy as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Listen to your doctor. A doctor's goal is for the outcome to be as positive as possible—both a healthy baby and a healthy mother. If there are any concerns, voice them. If explanations are needed, ask.
2. See a high-risk obstetrician. These doctors specialize in high-risk pregnancies, and can deal with abnormal pregnancies with more knowledge.
3. Know your limitations. This means what is allowed in terms of activity, sex, food or anything else during a high risk pregnancy. These limitations are in place to keep mother and baby safe. If you choose to ignore any of the doctor's advice, you are putting your unborn child at risk unnecessarily.
4. Ask questions. If anything is unclear, ask the doctor or a nurse. It is best to be sure. If you are unable to reach someone to ask, err on the side of caution until someone is available to answer questions.
5. Pay attention to warning signs. If something seems wrong, call the doctor or go to the labor and delivery unit or emergency room. They are there for these types of situations. It is better to have a false alarm than to ignore a serious problem.
6. Call the doctor if anything abnormal happens. If you are unable to contact the doctor, go straight to the hospital.