Bringing a new life into this world is joyous, transformative, and a mystifying experience. Every expecting mother hopes for a smooth sailing pregnancy where her child enters this world unscathed and healthy. Unfortunately, some mothers may encounter a more complex journey due to a high-risk pregnancy—a situation where the mother, the baby, or both are at an increased risk of complications before, during, or after childbirth.
Here’s a list of Dos and Don’ts, to help you navigate through a high-risk pregnancy.
DO’s:
- Prioritize Adequate Rest: Sleep is a pillar of health, especially during pregnancy. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, and allow for short naps if needed. Discuss with your healthcare provider about the best sleep positions and practices, especially if conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes are a concern. Sometimes, special accommodations or rest schedules are required to support the health of both you and your baby.
- Engage in Approved Physical Activity: Gentle exercise can help manage many pregnancy-related discomforts. However, during a high-risk pregnancy, it’s imperative to consult your healthcare provider to design an exercise program that’s safe for your particular situation. This might include activities like walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming, which support your health without placing undue stress on you or your baby.
- Adopt a Nutrient-Rich Diet: Caloric needs do increase during pregnancy, but it’s the quality of those calories that counts. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet can support fetal development and your own health. Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Be mindful of your portion sizes and try to avoid foods high in sugar and empty calories.
- Be Diligent with Prenatal Vitamins: Prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to fill nutritional gaps and support a healthy pregnancy. Folic acid, for example, is crucial in preventing neural tube defects, while iron supports your and your baby’s blood volume expansion. Your healthcare provider can recommend a prenatal vitamin that’s right for you, considering any specific nutritional needs or health concerns.
- Maintain Regular Healthcare Appointments: Frequent visits to your healthcare provider are crucial for monitoring the progression of your high-risk pregnancy. These check-ups can catch potential issues early, manage pre-existing conditions, and adjust care plans as needed. Keep a log of symptoms or questions between visits to ensure that you address all your concerns.
DON’Ts:
- Avoid Tobacco and Nicotine Completely: Exposure to tobacco and nicotine, even in secondhand smoke, can severely impact fetal development, leading to complications like low birth weight, preterm delivery, and developmental issues. It’s essential to eliminate these risks by avoiding all tobacco and nicotine products entirely.
- Abstain from Alcohol: Alcohol can cross the placenta and affect the baby’s developing brain and organs, leading to lifelong impacts. Since no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy has been established, complete abstinence is the only way to ensure your child is not at risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or other alcohol-related complications.
- Steer Clear of Risky Foods: To reduce the risk of infections such as Toxoplasmosis and Listeriosis, it’s important to avoid raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy, and processed meats unless they are reheated to steaming hot. Such foods can harbor dangerous bacteria that are particularly harmful during pregnancy.
- Skip Hot Tubs and Saunas: While it may be tempting to relax in a hot bath or sauna, extreme heat can increase your core body temperature, which in turn can pose a risk to your developing baby, especially in the first trimester. It is best to opt for warm (not hot) baths and avoid saunas and hot tubs throughout your pregnancy.
Navigating a high-risk pregnancy requires careful attention to these Dos and Don’ts, along with open communication with your doctor. By adhering to these guidelines, you can optimize your health and that of your baby during this critical time.