Pregnancy is an exciting time in any woman’s life. However, it does come with some mild discomforts like nausea and swollen feet, for many. Some women find themselves in high-risk pregnancies where they must be extra careful to avoid potential complications. Sometimes a pregnancy becomes risky for no apparent reason, but often it is due to genetic causes or the mother’s health. For example, some women are prone to premature labor or have an incompetent cervix, both of which can lead to a preterm birth, a baby with health issues, or even miscarriage or stillbirth. Moms-to-be with diabetes, heart problems, cancer, or other illnesses may be more likely to have a high risk pregnancy.
Self-Care
There are many things a woman can do to protect herself and their baby in a high-risk pregnancy. First and foremost is that she should consult a high-risk pregnancy specialist who will hopefully treat her during pregnancy and deliver the baby when it arrives. Following the doctor’s orders is paramount to a safe pregnancy. Good nutrition is important. The doctor may place the mom-to-be on a special diet or merely suggest that she follow a healthy diet and not overeat. Although most pregnant women can exercise safely, high-risk pregnancy specialist Dr. Gilbert Webb says it’s recommended for women who are at risk to talk to their doctor before starting an exercise program. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor right away.
Medical Care
In addition to seeing her high-risk specialist on schedule, the mom-to-be should follow all instructions precisely. Typically this includes taking prenatal vitamins and having periodic ultrasounds performed according to the doctor’s orders to check the baby’s health and development. If the doctor orders bed rest for the mother’s high blood pressure, she should stay off her feet to help treat the problem and prevent it from becoming worse. An attentive doctor will help to relieve the patient’s worries and keep her informed about her baby’s development. A delivery plan will be recommended early in the pregnancy so the mom-to-be can make advance preparations.
Dental Care
For a mother-to-be, taking care of the teeth is almost as important as caring for her body. Since the baby is leaching calcium from the mother’s bones and teeth, she may experience loose teeth or even lose one without adequate dental care. The dentist should be told as soon as possible that the mom-to-be patient is expecting so dental care can be adjusted accordingly. Some dentists want to see their pregnant patients more regularly to closely monitor their dental care. In a high-risk pregnancy, this may be the case. Daily brushing and flossing are an essential part of self-care that the pregnant woman must follow to guard her health.
Family Support
During a high-risk pregnancy, a mother-to-be needs family support more than ever. She might experience anxiety or depression, and she might even feel angry about her condition. A close-knit support system of family members and friends will provide the comfort, support, and guidance she needs during this potentially difficult period in her life. Her partner, or other relatives can help by taking her to and from doctor appointments, cooking meals, watching older children, or running errands to remove some of the pressure the mom-to-be may be experiencing. Showing their love and support in these ways reminds the pregnant woman that she is not alone, and that others care about her and will help her.
Although a high-risk pregnancy may sound scary, it is quite manageable when the mother-to-be takes control of her condition and networks with the important pillars of her experience. Self-care, medical care, dental care, and family support make a difference.
