More women are entering into pregnancy with a pre-existing chronic health condition. According to recent data, about 25 percent of women start pregnancy with at least one chronic health condition, such as asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, or epilepsy. If you have a health condition and you're pregnant, you'll need to take the necessary precautions and add some medical management to your daily routine. Although you may feel worried about your baby during this time, keep in mind that mums can enjoy a healthy pregnancy while managing a chronic health condition. If you’re coping with medical challenges, here's how you can have a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Create a Health Management Plan with Your Doctor
If you just found out that you're pregnant, the first thing that you have to do is set an appointment with your doctor. After an initial checkup, your healthcare provider will create a health management plan that will yield the best results for you and your baby. Your doctor will likely adjust or change your medication so you’ll feel well without harming your baby's health. They may also prescribe additional medicine and vitamins based on your current health condition, and create a diet plan that would prevent flare-ups and keep you well nourished at the same time.
Your healthcare provider may also advise you to increase or decrease your level of physical activity, depending on your body's needs. If you’re encouraged to add more exercise to your day, consider wearing a red medical warning dog tag when you're out and about to let people know that you have a medical condition. This is especially crucial if your health condition causes you to have sudden seizures or flare-ups, such as epilepsy or asthma. Once you have a solid health management plan, make it a point to adhere to it, and don't be afraid to ask your doctor for alternatives if you feel like something in the plan isn't working for you.
Make Some Lifestyle Changes
Pregnancy can be physically demanding and it consumes your energy– in fact, a new study has found that carrying a baby takes 49,753 dietary calories, which explains why you're so tired all the time. Since some chronic health conditions also cause fatigue, you'll need to make some lifestyle changes to conserve and replenish your energy so you won't feel drained throughout your pregnancy. First, avoid being overly stressed since stress can reduce your energy levels. Try engaging in mindful activities, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, drawing, journaling, or mindful colouring to ease anxiety and calm your mind. See to it that you get enough sleep, and go to bed at a reasonable hour every night.
You may also want to get some help to do chores or errands, especially if you've been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy. If this is the case, you may want to consider making a few changes to your living spaces too so you won't have a difficult time at home. For instance, if your bedroom is on the second floor of your house and everything else is on the ground floor, have someone move your bed or create a sleeping area downstairs so you won't have to move around so much.
You may also want to get some help to do chores or errands, especially if you've been diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy. If this is the case, you may want to consider making a few changes to your living spaces too so you won't have a difficult time at home. For instance, if your bedroom is on the second floor of your house and everything else is on the ground floor, have someone move your bed or create a sleeping area downstairs so you won't have to move around so much.
Appreciate This Stage of Your Life
It may be difficult to enjoy your pregnancy when you're constantly worried about how your chronic health condition may affect your baby. Although you have valid reasons to worry, you also need to be in the moment since this is a very special time in your life. Talk to your partner, friends, or family members about your concerns if you're feeling anxious. Getting things off your chest can help to relieve your anxiety and ease any worries that you may have. You may also want to consider talking to an expert so you can stay mentally and emotionally resilient during your pregnancy.
To improve your mood, try doing a few things that will make you feel better. It can be anything like getting yourself a nice bouquet of your favourite flowers, watching your comfort movie or TV show, having a sandwich or a healthy beverage at a new cafe, or treating yourself to a new book or a new lipstick. Little things like these can give you a sense of positivity and happiness while you're expecting.
Mums with chronic health conditions can have a healthy pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you intend to start a family, and always follow your healthcare provider's advice for a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.
ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR:
Sara is now a freelance writer who pens pieces on parenting, and lifestyle but prior to this she worked as an holistic therapist and took a keen interest in diet and fitness. She lives with her partner and their daughter and a menagerie of pets
