High-Risk Pregnancy in Woodland and Conroe, TX

Being pregnant with multiples can be exciting and also a little stressful. Twins and other multiples don't guarantee that your pregnancy will be complicated. It simply means you may face a higher risk of preterm labor, high blood pressure, and other conditions that could affect your health or your baby's health. For this reason, your doctor may order certain tests and may schedule more frequent checkups.

Having a high-risk pregnancy, you can expect to be followed more closely by your medical care team. This way, any issues that may arise are caught and addressed very quickly. You may be scheduled for more appointments than you would be otherwise, and you might also be scheduled for various special tests, such as ultrasound imaging to observe the fetus, uterus, or cervix. The types of testing that may occur during a high-risk pregnancy will relate to your high-risk definition. Additionally, you will undergo all of the usually recommended tests, such as urinalysis, blood tests, and fetal heart rate. Your doctor will discuss your appointment frequency and tests with you in detail as they relate to your pregnancy, potential risks, and your overall health.

Even if your pregnancy risks are only slightly elevated from the norm, just the classification as high-risk can create some stress. Knowing how to support your pregnancy can alleviate some of this. General recommendations for managing a high-risk pregnancy include:

• Stay informed. If your doctor tells you that your pregnancy will be treated as high-risk, get to know what you can about the definition. For example, if you're pregnant with multiples, you can ask your doctor specific questions related to this. You can also learn about your high-risk pregnancy online, but take care to read information only from reputable organizations. 
• Gather support. In addition to maintaining an open line of communication with your doctor and medical care team, it can be immensely helpful to also have supportive friends and family. Depending on your condition, you may need to make certain changes to your lifestyle, such as scaling back how much you do on a daily basis. Supportive friends and family may be needed to pick up the slack. For emotional support, consider joining a high-risk pregnancy support group online or in your local area. 
• Take excellent care of yourself. Prioritizing self-care can mean a healthier pregnancy and better outcomes, both for you and your baby. Self-care may include taking daily walks as approved by your care team, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and staying adequately hydrated. It may also include setting a sleep schedule for yourself, taking time to rest as you need, and avoiding stressful situations. 
• Listen to your body. Throughout your pregnancy, your body can be your best guide. Tuning in to waning energy levels, discomforts, hunger, and other sensations not only increases your connection with yourself and your baby but also quickly alerts you to something that doesn't feel normal. If a sensation doesn't feel quite right, contact your OBGYN.