Although most women have normal pregnancies, understanding more about common pregnancy issues can help one make better decisions for their health and the health of their newborn. Each pregnancy is unique. Some pregnancies start out low-risk, but as the pregnancy progresses, issues such as gestational diabetes develop which necessitates particular medical attention for both the mother and the baby. Women may be pregnant with a high-risk pregnancy from the outset in some cases. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Aparna Jha, MBBS, MS, DNB, MRCOG, Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynecology, Apollo Cradle & Children’s Hospital Bengaluru - Brookefield, about some tips to manage high risk pregnancy.
High risk pregnancy causes
High risk pregnancy is defined as one which is complicated. By factors that affect the pregnancy outcome adversely- Maternal or Perinatal or both. According to Dr. Aparna, here are some factors that can put your pregnancy at a high risk:
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- Teenage Pregnancy
- Elderly Pregnancy
- Pregnancy with medical condition like cardiac disease, Hypertension, DMII, Obesity etc.
- Previous Bad Outcome Pregnancy
Tips to manage high risk pregnancy
A high-risk pregnancy implies that there are increased chances of premature delivery or that the mother or the child can develop a health issue. It means that there are higher chances of complications in the pregnancy which is why special care has to be taken to ensure the safety of the mother as well as the child. Here are a few tips to manage a high-risk pregnancy:
1. Pre pregnancy counselling
Before planning to conceive visit to Gynecologist and to do necessary test prescribed. It is important to go for a pre pregnancy counselling with an expert.
2. Maintain a healthy pregnancy weight
One should maintain a nutritious and healthy diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables in order to avoid instances of being underweight and overweight. Having a healthy diet helps in maintaining a good pregnancy weight that will reduce the risks in pregnancy.
3. Take care of pre-existing medical conditions
Pre-existing medical issues that are uncontrolled can contribute to the risk factors in pregnancy. High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and other illnesses can all have an impact on pregnancy. Your body takes a toll throughout pregnancy. Managing health issues with medication and lifestyle modifications allows your body to function at its best while you're pregnant.
Also read: Managing A High-Risk Pregnancy: Factors, Symptoms, And How To Cope With It?
4. Take prenatal vitamins
The body needs more specific nutrients to support the growing baby while one is pregnant. One can get folic acid, iron, protein, and calcium from a prenatal vitamin or supplement that they wouldn't get from a regular diet.
5. Avoid alcohol, tobacco, and such substances
During pregnancy, drinking alcohol, smoking or using tobacco products, and taking drugs can all have a negative impact on the baby's health. Cigarettes can be a cause for babies to be born with low birth weight. Birth deformities can result from the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescribed pharmaceuticals, and newborns might be born addicted to a substance taken during pregnancy. During pregnancy, one should only take the medications that the doctor has prescribed.
6. Regular medical appointments
Prenatal checkups are essential for monitoring your health as well as the health of your developing baby. The doctor checks the vital signs and monitors the baby's progress at each appointment. If any potential problems are discovered, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, a treatment plan to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth is devised.
Pregnancies that are high-risk can feel like high-stress pregnancies. Even if one is worried, one can always try to find ways to relieve tension and enjoy their pregnancy. Prenatal yoga, meditation, and other relaxing techniques are all options to make relieve stress.
Image credits: Freepik