High Risk Pregnancies

By Dr. Claude Tolbert, Jr.

If you just found out that you’re pregnant, you probably have a thousand questions about how to have a healthy pregnancy. Your pregnancy may be considered highrisk if you are diagnosed with complications like preterm labor, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, gestational diabetes is first seen in a pregnant woman who did not have diabetes before she was pregnant. It typically shows up in the middle of pregnancy and doctors most often test for it between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Oftentimes, gestational diabetes can be controlled through regular exercise and by eating healthy foods.

If you’ve been told your pregnancy is high risk, first, take a deep breath. While “highrisk” may sound scary, there is no reason to panic; many high-risk pregnancies go just as planned. But having all the information will go a long way toward helping you feel more in control and help you minimize risks however you can. A good way to start is by asking your doctor some important questions.

Here are four questions about highrisk pregnancy to talk about with your healthcare provider:

WHY AM I A HIGH-RISK PREGNANCY?

Ask what factors caused your doctor to designate your pregnancy as high-risk and if you should consider seeing any specialists. For example, if you have gestational diabetes, your doctor may want an endocrinologist on board. You may also consider finding an OB who specializes in high-risk pregnancy.

DO I NEED ADDITIONAL TESTING?

There may be additional testing and treatment to help your pregnancy go as smoothly as possible. You may have more sonograms than a lower-risk pregnancy. You may need to go in more frequently for blood work or your doctor may suggest genetic testing. Knowing your doctor’s plan of action can help set your expectations.

DO I NEED TO WATCH FOR CERTAIN SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?

Ask your doctor which signs and symptoms indicate a need for immediate medical attention and which ones can wait. For example, signs of problems include any bleeding or fluid leaking from your vagina, blurred vision, sudden or severe swelling in your hands, fingers or face, or if you suspect that your baby is moving less than normal.

HOW DO I HANDLE ANXIETY?

Though being told your pregnancy is high risk can make you feel anxious, talk with your healthcare provider about what you can do to manage your anxiety, as this stress can affect the health of both you and your baby. If your doctor OKs it, you may consider taking a prenatal yoga class to help reduce your stress level – and to meet other moms-to-be!

If you already know that you will be considered a high-risk pregnancy due to factors such as age or medical conditions, you might want to get a jump-start by scheduling a preconception appointment with your doctor. He or she may want you to start taking prenatal vitamins, adjust treatment for any existing problems, or work on achieving a healthy weight. If you’ve already been told your pregnancy is high-risk, write down your questions and ask your doctor. Having the information that you need will go a long way toward easing your mind. And know that you’ve got this! PIQ

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/ diabetes-gestational.html