How You Can Minimize the Risk Of Pregnancy Complications?

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in a woman’s life. Knowing the fact that you are growing a human inside is a priceless feeling. However, with that happiness comes fear especially if you are at risk of any pregnancy complications. It is therefore important to consult your obstetrician if you have any medical condition or family history that can lead to a high-risk pregnancy. 

A high-risk pregnancy is one in which the mother and fetus’s health is at risk at any stage of the pregnancy. The reasons are multiple such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorder, etc. If you want to minimize the risk of pregnancy complications, you need to first know the risk factors that can contribute to a high-risk pregnancy and manage them accordingly. Here are a few ways by which you can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. 

1. Start Your Pregnancy at a Healthy Weight

Having a healthy weight is one of the key factors to managing at least half of the risk factors. A healthy weight leads to a healthy pregnancy and reduces the risk of pregnancy complications. On the other hand, obesity can cause high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, premature birth, etc. Similarly, if the mother is underweight, it can affect the nutrition of the growing baby and cause premature birth or low weight of the baby.

2. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

While it seems like an obvious thing to do, many mothers are reluctant to do so. If you are a habitual smoker or alcohol consumer, it’s time to cut it off entirely until your delivery. Drinking or smoking during pregnancy is linked to birth defects, low birth weight, and premature birth. In the same way, having a balanced diet is important not only to nourish your growing baby but also to keep your weight maintained. 

3. Preconception Appointment is Important 

Just like you plan for everything else, planning a pregnancy is crucial for you and your baby’s health. You need to make sure your body is prepared to nourish the human inside. Schedule a preconception appointment to start with your prenatal supplements. For instance, folic acid deficiency can lead to neural tube defects. Your health care provider will guide you and start your treatment if you have an untreated medical condition. 

4. Discuss Your Health Issues with Your Doctor

If you have a medical condition such as hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorder, or any other chronic illness for which you are taking medications, discuss it with your healthcare provider. You need to have proper treatment to make sure your pregnancy goes smoothly. Run your concerns by your doctor and don’t hesitate to discuss your medical issues, so she can give you a pregnancy plan that manages your existing challenges. 

5. Plan Your Pregnancy 

Plan your pregnancy in your prime childbearing years to avoid a high-risk pregnancy. For instance, after the age of 35 years, the risk of birth defects and pregnancy complications increases. Therefore, planning your pregnancy at the right age will help you minimize the risk of pregnancy complications.