1. Deal With Your Feelings
Finding out that your pregnancy is considered high risk comes with a wide range of emotions. Dealing with these emotions is necessary so you can enjoy your pregnancy as much as possible. Some women blame themselves for their pregnancy being high risk, but this isn’t your fault. Having a high risk pregnancy isn’t something that you could control. It is also normal to feel disappointed that you will miss out on a normal pregnancy. Talk about your feelings to your partner or your doctor.
2. Follow Instructions
When you have a high risk pregnancy, your doctor may give you some very specific instructions to follow. It is very important to follow these instructions exactly. Keep in mind that your doctor isn’t trying to be mean when she tells you how you need to do things. She is trying to give your baby the best chance of being born full term and healthy. She is also trying to keep you healthy during the course of your pregnancy. If you don’t understand the instructions or you want to know more about the reasons for the instructions you are given, ask your doctor. She should be able to put your mind at ease. If you still doubt that the things you are instructed to do are necessary, consider getting a second opinion.
3. Make the Best of Bed Rest
Many women who have a high risk pregnancy are placed on bed rest. While bed rest may sound like a vacation to some pregnant women, it does get boring. You can make the best of your bed rest by being prepared. Have someone bring you the latest baby magazines. You can start doing a craft. Cross stitching, crocheting and knitting can all be done while you are lying in bed. If you choose one of these, use your time on bed rest to make something special for your baby. Reading books is another way to occupy your time on bed rest. This may be the last chance you have to finish a whole book. Bed rest can leave you feeling isolated. You can help this by searching online for support groups for women on bed rest. The others in the group will be on bed rest so you will be able to chat with people who understand your frustrations.
4. Watch For Signs of Trouble
Having a high risk pregnancy means that you have to be extra vigilant to watch out for warning signs of problems with your pregnancy. The basic things to watch for are contractions, vaginal bleeding, extreme swelling, sudden gush of fluid, sharp pains in the abdomen, dizziness or sudden changes in the baby’s movements. Your doctor may give you other warning signs to look for. If you notice any of the sings of trouble, contact your doctor immediately.
About this Author
Casey Holley is a medical writer with more than 10 years of experience in the health and fitness industries. She has worked as a nutrition consultant and has written numerous health and wellness articles, including in-depth features about ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal conditions.
