Top 7 tips to manage a high-risk pregnancy

For the most part, pregnancy is a natural process and things go smoothly. However, in certain instances, there may be complications during the pregnancy. This is called a high-risk pregnancy. While managing a high-risk pregnancy is difficult, following certain measures during this pregnancy, can result in you having a healthy baby. In this article, we’ll talk about how to manage a high-risk pregnancy.

Risk factors for a high-risk pregnancy

There are certain factors that can contribute to the pregnancy being high-risk. Some of these are:

Advanced maternal age: If you are older than 35 years, you have a greater chance of having a high-risk pregnancy.

Lifestyle choices: If you smoke regularly, drink alcohol habitually, or use illegal drugs, you have a greater chance of having a high-risk pregnancy.

Maternal health problems: Your pregnancy can be at greater risk if you suffer from certain health problems. These could be high blood pressure, obesity, epilepsy, diabetes, heart disorders, blood disorders, asthma, and infections.

Complications during the pregnancy: If you develop certain complications during pregnancy, this could put the latter at greater risk. Some of these complications are, an abnormal placental position, foetal growth restriction, and rhesus (Rh) sensitization. The latter occurs when your blood group is Rh negative and your husband’s blood group is Rh positive.

Multiple pregnancy: Pregnancy complications are greater if you are carrying twins or multiple pregnancies.

Pregnancy history: If you have a history of hypertension disorders during your first pregnancy, such as eclampsia, this condition can recur during your second or subsequent pregnancies. Similarly, if you have given birth early during your first pregnancy, you are at greater risk for delivering prematurely during your subsequent pregnancies. You should certainly consult your obstetrician with your complete obstetric history.

Managing a high-risk pregnancy

Once it is diagnosed that you have a high-risk pregnancy, there are certain ways you can deal with high-risk pregnancy and manage this pregnancy. Some of them are:

• Stay informed: A high-risk pregnancy is a pregnancy that can harm the health or life of the mother or the baby. It is important that you understand your specific risks that are causing your high-risk pregnancy. It is also important that you get accurate and reliable information, preferably from your healthcare provider. If you think you could be high-risk during pregnancy, do schedule a preconception counselling appointment with a pregnancy specialist. If you are already pregnant, do communicate regularly with your obstetrician. You should ask the latter any and all questions you may have. You can also do your own research regarding high-risk pregnancy, but in order to do so, you should stick to credible sources.
• Ensure that you have a support system: During this time, it is imperative that you surround yourself with family and friends and let them know your needs. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you may need to scale back on commitments and obligations. You should consult regularly with your team of medical professionals and also not shy away from having your family and friends guide and help you through your pregnancy.
• Create a plan with your health care providers: You should create a proactive plan for maternal and foetal care during and after your pregnancy. There will be many things to consider about your care and that of your baby. A birth plan can be drawn up depending on your specific risk. You should also ensure that you attend all prenatal appointments for a regular screening and check-up. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor may recommend that you deliver your baby in a hospital that has a neonatal intensive care unit. Planning for all of these contingencies will ensure that you and your doctors are ready for any and every eventuality.
• Make sure you put your self-care first: By prioritising self-care, you are ensuring that there is a better pregnancy outcome for you and your baby. This means eating a healthy diet, exercising, getting enough sleep, reducing exposure to toxins and other harmful environmental factors, and avoiding stress.
• Listen to your body: You should do what your body is telling you. If you need more rest, you should take more rest. Most importantly, you should contact your obstetrician if you think something is not normal.
• Deal with mental health concerns: Research shows that women who suffer from high-risk pregnancies are more prone to depression. If you do experience depression, you should address your difficult symptoms immediately, without shying away from them. You should also understand that it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions during a difficult pregnancy. Rather than blaming yourself for your condition, it may help you to understand that you are not alone. If you are experiencing these difficult emotions, do ask your obstetrician to recommend a mental health professional that you can consult.
• Manage your mind-set: If you are experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, it is important to have outlets to reduce stress and manage anxiety. If you stay calm and relaxed during your pregnancy, however difficult, this will help your overall wellbeing. You can and should take the time to enjoy the activities that give you joy. This could range from yoga to going for a walk with a friend to regular meditation. When you indulge in activities that you enjoy it will take your mind off your difficult pregnancy and help you regain your normal perspective and a sense of normalcy.

If you have a high-risk pregnancy, it is imperative that you consult the right team of doctors, who will not only guide you through your pregnancy, but will also take care of your baby after your delivery. At Harsha Hospitals, we have a great team of such doctors. We are specialists in women’s issues and know exactly how to manage a high-risk pregnancy. High-risk pregnancy management is a special skill and at Harsha Hospitals we are adept at it.

We are the best hospital for dealing with high-risk pregnancy in Hyderabad, India. We will help and guide you through your difficult pregnancy and will reassure you by answering any questions and addressing any and all doubts that you may have. We will regularly monitor your progress and will take all steps to ensure that despite having a high-risk pregnancy, you and your baby emerge healthy, strong, and resilient.

So, if you have a high-risk pregnancy or the possibility of one, do consult with Harsha Hospitals to ensure that you and your baby are healthy right through and after your pregnancy and be assured of the best possible outcome!

For more information about a high-risk pregnancy and other women’s issues consult Harsha Hospitals at +91 7799565793 or at info@harshahospitals.co.in or go to our website Harsha Maternity Hospital Hyderabad for more information.