How to Handle a High Risk Pregnancy
Handling a high risk pregnancy is not easy for any woman. This article provides information on how to manage your stress and reduce your risk of early delivery.
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Instructions
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Make certain that you have disclosed to your doctor any pre-existing conditions that you may have and any medications that you currently take including herbal supplements. Certain medications can cause complications including birth defects and pre-term labor so full disclosure is key in this situation.
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Consider your comfort level with your doctor. Is he someone that you can call or ask any questions? If not, you may want to switch doctors as your doctor is someone that you will be seeing almost weekly during a high risk pregnancy. You have to feel comfortable with this person because your doctor essentially becomes the third person in your high risk pregnancy. You see this person almost as much as a spouse or loved one.
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Next, if you have been assigned to bed rest, make certain that you stay in bed. Most of the time you should be laying in bed but you can get up for meals, bathroom visits and showers. The trick is to keep yourself busy but to relax. Grab some books, catch up on movies, take up knitting or get a laptop to surf the Internet. This is the perfect time to take up a new hobby that you can do sitting down.
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Find out what genetic testing is available for you and your baby. Genetic testing can alert you to any potential problems and prepare you for what lies ahead. Most doctors suggest many more genetic tests for any woman during a high risk pregnancy. Although some tests pose a risk, your doctor will discuss this with you and make recommendations based on your personal situation.
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Take it easy. Do what you can to relax, reduce stress and keep your blood pressure down. Stress can cause so many pregnancy complications. It is vital you do what you can to remain calm and stress free. Enlist the help of family and friends to assist with childcare, housework or anything else that needs to be done.
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Tips & Warnings
Learn the medical factors that are used to determine whether your pregnancy is high risk or not. There are so many factors that doctors consider including those aged under 20 or over 35, carrying more than one baby, your water "broke" on a previous pregnancy or has broken on this one, your lifestyle, your placenta is covering the cervix (placenta previa), etc.
Do whatever you can to reduce the stress in your life during your high risk pregnancy. High stress levels can lead to increased blood pressure, preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, etc. The closer that you are to your delivery date, the better the chances are for a healthy baby.
Stay in constant contact with your doctor. Let him know of any concerns that you may have.
