The stress of pregnancy on a mother’s body may trigger serious health complications for her and may potentially also harm the baby. If you’re managing a pre-existing health condition, or if you have a family history of genetic disorders, your physician might consider you to be at risk for pregnancy complications.
Not every pregnancy complication can be prevented. However, making healthy lifestyle choices and communicating with your doctor on a regular basis will significantly increase the likelihood that your baby will be born healthy.
Follow Routine Prenatal Care
During the course of your pregnancy, your doctor will monitor your health as well as the health of your baby through routine scheduled visits. There will also be steps you will need to take in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the following months. Some of these routines may include taking a prenatal vitamin every day, following a healthy diet, and cutting out alcohol and tobacco use.
Early detection of most pregnancy complications allows physicians the time to properly manage the condition, and give you and your baby the best chance at a healthy pregnancy. During routine appointments, your doctor may screen for common pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. The growth and health of your baby will also be closely monitored.
Manage Pre-existing Health Conditions
If you are planning on becoming pregnant and are currently managing a chronic condition, it is best to speak with your doctor before conception. Pregnancies with preexisting health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may require more prenatal care.
Your physician will want to analyze your current treatment plan as well as discuss any changes that may be necessary for the duration of your pregnancy. Additionally, it is important to discuss any medications that you’re taking, as some medications may not be safe to take while pregnant.
Your healthcare provider is your best resource for understanding how your preexisting health condition may affect your pregnancy and vice versa. When health conditions are managed correctly, it is easier for your body to remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Consider Prenatal Testing
During your first appointment with your obstetrician, you may discuss risk factors
that could indicate your child might be born with a birth defect or a chromosomal abnormality. Part of this conversation involves discussing your family medical history as well as any previous pregnancy complications.
If the risks involving chromosomal abnormalities are present, noninvasive prenatal testing may be used to provide more information about their regarding the potential health of the child. For example, testing for Down syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, and Patau syndrome can be performed as early as 10 weeks’ gestation. Expeecting parents can consider working with a genetic counselor to gain a greater understanding of how complications can affect the pregnancy, the outlook of their future child’s life, and how they can best prepare to care for their child.
Communicate With Your Healthcare Provider
You may have a lot of questions and you should talk to your physician about any concerns you have. The best time to address concerns is during prenatal visits. However, your obstetrician will indicate certain symptoms that warrant an immediate phone call to your doctor to ensure proper care is given to you and your baby.