Handling a High Risk Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be one of life's most joyous times, but it can also be one of the most stressful. If you have been diagnosed with a high risk pregnancy, the thrill of carrying a new life is mixed with anxiety and fear.

A high risk pregnancy may be diagnosed for one of many reasons. It could be based on your history. If you have had two or more miscarriages, a stillbirth or other similar problems in previous pregnancies, you could be at risk for developing problems in this one. Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, lupus or anorexia can also affect a pregnancy and put it into the high risk category, as can carrying multiple fetuses.

Other conditions develop later on in a normal pregnancy, causing it to become a high risk one. Conditions such as pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure), placenta previa, and pregnancy onset diabetes are all causes for concern.

A high risk pregnancy may require special tests, medications and possibly bed rest. In extreme cases, hospitalization may be required until the birth of the baby or babies. This is most common in cases where the mother is carrying three or more babies and care must be taken not to let labor start too early.

The most difficult part of all this is the emotional rollercoaster. Trying to bring the baby to term can be a difficult task that is often out of the mother's hands. Many women feel guilty for not being able to have a normal pregnancy. They might envy other pregnant women for their ability to carry a child without problems and there may even be times when the woman doesn't feel love or even want for the baby. Feeling resentful toward the baby can cause even more stress and guilt, although it is completely normal.

While it can be difficult, the best way to deal with a high risk pregnancy is to stay positive and keep busy. This is a particularly difficult proposition when you are required to stay in bed all day. To keep from dwelling on the problems, it is vital to keep your mind busy.

Visitors can help greatly. Talking with friends is a great release and a very good distraction. Ask friends to bring books and magazines to lend you so you can have something to do when they have gone. They could also bring you library books if you run out of reading material.

If you enjoy puzzles, sudoku and crosswords can be downloaded off the internet and printed out to be done in bed. You can also join an online DVD rental club and get as many DVDs as you can handle in the mail.

Another option is to take up a handicraft that you have always wanted to learn. Knitting, crocheting or hand sewing baby items is a good way to think positively, as well as keeping you busy.

Staying positive, staying busy, and having plenty of moral support is key to making it through a difficult pregnancy. It can be done, and hopefully, at the end of it, you will be rewarded with a beautiful child.