A high-risk pregnancy means a pregnancy with increased risks for the pregnant mother or the fetus, or both. If your pregnancy has been identified as being of high risk, you may be feeling anxious about the months ahead.
There is a wide range of risk factors for high-risk pregnancy, including diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, thyroid disease, heart disease, blood disorders and rare diseases. One such rare disease is fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT).
What is FNAIT?
Fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) is a rare but serious condition that affects 0.1% of pregnancies in which a pregnant mother’s immune system produces antibodies against the platelets of her fetus. This occurs when a fetus inherits platelet antigens from the father that are not compatible with the mother, typically involving a protein called human platelet antigen (HPA). The mother’s immune system recognizes the fetal platelets as foreign, attacking and destroying them, leading to low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia) in the fetus or newborn.
Specialist care throughout your pregnancy from a multidisciplinary maternal-fetal team will be key to good outcomes if you know you are at risk. You will be carefully monitored, with regular tests and ultrasounds to keep a close eye on your baby in utero. This will allow for rapid intervention if your baby requires a medical intervention.
Prenatal stress can negatively affectinfant health and development, so maintaining the health and well-being of the mother during this stressful time will be of benefit to the baby’s well-being.
Managing your high risk pregnancy
Navigating a high risk pregnancy can impact a pregnant mother’s mental health and well-being. By developing the right mindset and finding ways to support your physical, mental and emotional health, the challenges of a high risk pregnancy will become more manageable.
1. Build a strong support network
As well as a trusted medical team, your partner, family and friends will be of valuable support to you during your pregnancy.
2. Maintain your routine
Feeling overwhelmed and anxious might make you feel like hiding out, or maybe spending the day in bed. While rest and relaxation is highly recommended, a routine will give structure to your day. It can give you a sense of maintaining control when feelings of uncertainty and unpredictability surface.
3. Practice self-care
Take care of yourself and you are taking care of your baby. Get plenty of sleep, get some fresh air, practice your deep breathing and meditation techniques for stress management, read, relax, avoid stressful situations where possible.
4. Adopt a healthy diet and lifestyle
A healthy diet will support your growing body and give you the energy to manage your pregnancy. A balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats and plenty of fruit, vegetables and 8-12 glasses of water daily is advised for good nutrition. Add to that, vitamin supplements of iron, folic acid and a multivitamin, if recommended by your doctor.
Unless you are on bed rest, light exercise will boost your cardiovascular health, and your mental health will benefit too.
5. Stay informed and proactive
Read up on FNAIT and possible complications for your baby during pregnancy and birth. Stay informed as your pregnancy progresses and be ready to signal any concerns or ask questions. As your due date approaches, be prepared for your birth and next steps.
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