High Risk Pregnancy
27/01/2009 22:13

I was sparked to read up on high risk pregnancy and talk with our experts as we have had so many mums to be ask "what does high risk really mean and what on earth am I meant to do on bed rest!?"

So here are a few pointers, they are certainly not the full list and you should speak with your health care professional if you feel you are may fall into the high risk pregnancy category.

- The term high risk is used to describe pregnancies in which the mother, the baby, or both are at higher-than-average risk of experiencing complications.

 - You are likely to be classified as high risk if you have a chronic medical condition that may affect your pregnancy, a history of pregnancy-related complications, or pregnancy loss.

- If your doctor prescribes bed rest, it's important to find out exactly what you are and aren't allowed to do.

- List of High Risk Pregnancy concerns gives a great list of just some (not all) of the items, but it is interesting to read and to know more, this site has the most comprehensive info we can find.

Some symptoms that occur during your pregnancy may also be concern for being placed into this category. At the very least you should contact your health care professional immediately, or attend your local hospital if you show any of these signs. Even with these symptoms, there may be nothing to worry about. But just like we do at Belli Skin Care, by reducing the risks of birth defects by screening out harmful ingredients, you are better to be safe than sorry and get checked out.

1. Vaginal bleeding or spotting
2. Swelling in the face or fingers
3. A leakage of fluid or increased vaginal discharge
4. Severe or persistent headaches
5. Pain in the abdomen or shoulder
6. Persistent vomiting that is not related to morning sickness
7. Chills or a fever
8. A noticeable change in the frequency or strength of your baby's movements
9. Painful or urgent urination
10. Dizziness or faintness

Sometimes multiple births, or for very high risk conditions your doctor may advise bed rest for the whole, part or just the last few weeks of your pregnancy. Some may look at you as having a mini-holiday but we all know that is only good for a couple of days! Here are just some of the sites we found that have some fab tips on what to do whilst not doing anything :-) Unfortunately sites in Australia did not give much info, so we would love to hear from Aussie mums and your tips, post your thoughts under discussion What to do when on bed rest!.

1. Kids Health - we love the do a family tree, when else would you have the time!
2. American Pregnancy - our favourite - organise all your photos on your computer and put on a disc those that you have wanted to have printed for years, since the digital camera age came in.
3. Bed Rest - If you are not yet on maternity leave, why not ask work for something you can do from your home computer while in bed? This will assist in ensuring you don't feel isolated.