If your doctor told you that you have a high-risk pregnancy, it's normal that you have concerns. Even if you suspect that might have a high-risk pregnancy, you need to pay close attention to your OB's instructions.
Are you unsure what this means? Here's what may happen if your OB tells you that your pregnancy is considered high-risk.
First, You Need to Know the Health Risks
High-risk pregnancies are defined as those with conditions that could put the mother or baby at risk. These conditions can develop before or during pregnancy. They can be the result of the mother's health, the baby's health, or a combination of both.
Your Health History Could Indicate Your Health Risks
There are a number of health conditions that may put you at risk for a high-risk pregnancy. If you have any of the following, your doctor will likely want to take extra steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy:
While these issues are not necessarily indicative that your pregnancy is dangerous, it is always a good idea to consider potential health issues. Your doctor can help you create a plan to mitigate your risks.
The Baby's Health Could Be a Concern
Sometimes, it is the baby's health, rather than the mother's, that causes concern. If you are carrying more than one baby, this automatically makes your pregnancy high-risk.
Other times, the baby may have a health condition that puts them at risk. The most common conditions that may cause concern are chromosomal abnormalities, heart defects, and growth restrictions.
In some cases, the baby's position in the womb may also be a cause for concern. If the baby is lying too low in the pelvis, this is called the breech position. This can make vaginal delivery more difficult or even impossible.
Your OB Will Offer Some Guidance
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your doctor will likely want to see you more often. You can expect to have more ultrasounds and other tests to monitor you and your baby's health.
Your doctor will also give you specific instructions on how to take care of yourself. These may include changes to your diet, exercise routine, and even work schedule.
It is important that you follow your doctor's orders. This will help ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. OB services do their best to help you deliver a healthy baby.
For more information, contact a local clinic that offers OB services.
Share19 July 2022
My name is Katie Langer. For a long time, I was bed ridden and I felt like I had no control over my life. I simply went along with what was instructed by my doctor and I didn't ask questions. It wasn't that my doctor wasn't willing to work with me, but I preferred to simply not think about the illness I was suffering from. I didn't realize that some of the symptoms I was suffering from were side effects of my medication and were not normal. After communicating more with my doctor, I was able to alleviate my symptoms. Since then, I've taken an interest in patient-doctor relationships and how to improve them.
