A pregnancy can be classified as high-risk for a number of reasons, including advanced maternal age, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, pre-existing medical conditions, infection, genetic disorders and blood disorders such as fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT).
To preserve the health of mother and baby, there are certain activities expecting mothers should avoid if their pregnancy is labeled as high risk.
Learn more about FNAIT signs and symptoms
Navigating a high-risk pregnancy
High-risk pregnancies have a higher than normal risk of complications, and as complications can occur at any time during a pregnancy, being labeled as high risk can often put stress on an expecting parent. A high-risk pregnancy is often unexpected and represents uncharted territory, but being informed can help parents feel less overwhelmed.
To ensure the best outcome for mother and baby, it is important to listen to your doctor to manage the elevated risk for complications and the added anxiety.
What to avoid during a high-risk pregnancy
Your healthcare team will guide you on how best to adapt your daily life to protect your pregnancy, but here are some things that may be dangerous during a high-risk pregnancy.
High-impact, strenuous exercise or sport: Don’t put pressure on your body by overexerting yourself. Your healthcare team might advise light stretching or short walks.
Standing or sitting for a long time: Standing for too long can impact circulation and sitting for too long can cause blood clots.
High stress situations: Stress elevates blood pressure and cortisol levels and can lead to complications.
Extreme heat: When the body overheats, it can reduce oxygen flow to the baby and increase blood pressure. Dehydration can also occur.
Managing emotional stress during a high-risk pregnancy
Making self-care a priority is key to managing the emotional aspect of managing a high-risk pregnancy.
Rest regularly: Put your feet up and take time out. Fatigue will only put pressure on you.
Get quality sleep: Create an inviting sleep environment, with quality bedding that offers good support and good airflow. Sleep is essential to your overall well-being.
Stay hydrated and eat healthy: A healthy diet with plenty of fluids will support your physical and mental health.
Occupy yourself with other topics or projects: To avoid obsessing over your pregnancy and creating a cycle of anxiety, catch up on your reading or TV series, see friends and family, take up knitting or scrapbooking. Find ways to distract your thoughts in a positive, productive way.
Deep breathing, yoga and mindfulness: Anxiety and feelings of powerlessness can be managed through deep breathing and yoga. Practicing mindfulness can be calming and a way of focusing on the moment.
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