Deciding to bring a new life into the world is a wonderful time in any woman or couple’s lives. It is a big decision that comes with a lot of change and adjustments. To increase the chances of conception and to experience a healthy pregnancy, women go to great lengths to ensure that they are doing everything in their power to stay in the best condition for a new life. Studying sources of information such as Mommy Authority (click here for more info) and consulting with doctors and health specialists to take care of their bodies plays a big role. But what if your pregnancy has some challenges and risk from the get-go?
While having a child is, for the most part, a natural process, some women experience what is known as a high-risk pregnancy. A pregnancy is referred to as being high-risk when there are known complications that would affect the mother and baby. This is why these types of pregnancies need to be closely managed to safeguard both the mother and the baby’s health.
What Are The Risk Factors?
There are several risk factors associated with high-risk pregnancies, these include:
Age
Maternal age is probably the most common risk factor that affects pregnancy. Mothers-to-be aged under 17 or over 35 have been known to be at greater risk of pregnancy-related complications, such as genetic birth defects or miscarriages.
Medical Conditions
Illnesses, diseases, and conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, sexually transmitted diseases, and autoimmune disease can contribute to increased levels of risk during pregnancy. If a woman has a history of miscarriages, problems with previous pregnancies or genetic disorders have also been known as risk factors. If you are aware of any pre-existing conditions you may have, it is vital to seek out the advice and assistance of your doctor, before conception.
Weight
Excess weight and obesity can also pose problems for expecting mothers, as obesity increases the risk of high blood pressure, neural tube defects, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. There is also an increased risk for stillbirths, and obesity in mothers have been linked to heart problems for the infant.
Pregnancy Complications
If a woman experiences complications during her pregnancy there is more risk involved. These include the abnormal position of the placenta, fetal growth issues, and Rhesus sensitization. These serious complications can create serious issues in which the mother and child’s life is put at risk.
Taking Preventative Measures
If you are concerned about having a high-pregnancy or want to take some extra steps to help prevent a high-pregnancy from happening you can take certain preventative steps. These include:
See A Doctor
When you are planning on having a baby it is a good idea to schedule a preconception appointment with a medical professional. This would be the best person to advise you on how you should go about preventing or diminishing the chances of having any pregnancy-related complications. They may suggest that you start taking prenatal vitamins, get to a healthy weight and do some tests before you try to get pregnant. They will also be able to work out a program for you so that you can cover all of your bases.
Prenatal Care
A prenatal care provider can help you to best monitor the health of both you and your baby. Prenatal care will most likely include seeking out an area specialist that will be able to prescribe maternal-fetal medication and other treatments to make sure that you stay your healthiest.
Quit Substances
Changing your lifestyle habits does play quite a big part in pregnancy health. When trying to conceive and throughout the pregnancy, you should quit drinking, smoking and using other risky substances. Also, check with your health care provider before taking any supplements.
Nutrition
Eating a healthy well-balanced diet, full of folic acid, protein, calcium, and iron will help you to stay pregnancy healthy. Your medical provider might also recommend a special nutrition plan to help you along the way.
As a mother-to-be, you want to ensure the health and safety of your unborn child. If you are concerned about having a high-risk pregnancy, talk to a doctor who specializes in this field to get the best advice on how you can go about keeping your baby, and yourself, healthy.