An expert shares 5 tips to manage your high-risk pregnancy

The nine months of pregnancy encompass a range of experiences and emotions. However, each pregnancy is unique. It is important for women to understand their body type to understand the potential risks and issues that could develop during this period. Some pregnancies start out low-risk but develop issues like gestational diabetes as the pregnancy progresses. This requires medical attention for both the mother and the baby. In some cases, women may be pregnant with a high-risk pregnancy from the outset.

In medical terms, a pregnancy is considered high risk if the mother is younger than 17 years of age or older than 35 years. It could also be considered high-risk if the mother is carrying multiple babies, has high blood pressure, diabetes, was overweight or underweight before becoming pregnant or has a previous child with a birth defect.

A high-risk pregnancy increases the chances of premature delivery or the mother or the child developing health issues. There could be higher chances of complications in the pregnancy, and special care is required to ensure the safety of the mother as well as the child. 

Here are simple precautions you can take to ensure a simple and less complicated pregnancy: 

1. A healthy pregnancy weight 

A nutritious diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables helps maintain a ‘healthy’ weight – ensuring the mother is neither underweight or overweight. It also ensures adequate nutrition for the mother and the baby and helps avoid other complications arising due to weight loss or gain.

2. Take care of pre-existing medical conditions

Pre-existing medical issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes etc can impact the pregnancy. The body undergoes a lot of changes during the pregnancy, which can exacerbate certain conditions. Consult an obstetrician and your regular doctor to get a management plan and undergo regular check ups to ensure there are no challenges. 

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3. Prenatal vitamins

As mentioned earlier, the body is undergoing several changes during the pregnancy. Vitamin supplements help provide the body with nutrients to support the growing baby. Folic acid, iron, protein, and calcium supplements are recommended in addition to a balanced diet.

4. Avoid alcohol and tobacco

Drinking alcohol, smoking or using other tobacco products can have a negative impact on the baby’s health. Cigarettes can be a cause for babies to be born with low birth weight. The use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescribed pharmaceuticals can result in birth deformities. During pregnancy, do not self-medicate. 

5. Regular medical appointments

Prenatal checkups are essential for monitoring the mother and the baby’s health. If any potential problems are discovered, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, a treatment plan to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth is devised.

A high-risk pregnancy can also feel like a high-stress pregnancy. 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 relieve stress.