High-Risk Pregnancy Do’s and Don’ts
Being pregnant is an exciting time, but if you’ve been told your pregnancy is “high-risk,” you might feel worried or uncertain about what’s safe and what’s not.
Don’t stress—having a high-risk pregnancy just means your doctor wants to monitor you more closely and give you extra care to make sure both you and your baby stay healthy.
By knowing what you should be doing—and what to avoid—you can take charge of your pregnancy and make smart choices that protect you and your little one.
Here’s everything you need to know, broken down and explained in the simplest terms.
What Is a High-Risk Pregnancy?
A high-risk pregnancy means there’s something about your health, your baby’s condition, or your lifestyle that makes complications during pregnancy, labor, or delivery more likely.
This doesn’t mean something will go wrong, but it does mean you need careful care.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Your pregnancy doctor might say your pregnancy is high-risk if you have certain health conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure), your age falls outside the “average” range for pregnancy (under 17 or over 35), or you’re carrying twins or triplets.
It could also be diagnosed later because of issues that develop during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
Prenatal checkups are super important because they help catch these problems early.
Why Do Do’s and Don’ts Matter?
When you follow the right habits and avoid risky ones, you’re helping your body stay strong and giving your baby the best chance to grow safely.
Think of it as teamwork—you and your doctor are working together to keep your pregnancy on track. Simple choices can make a big difference.
High-Risk Pregnancy Do’s – Things You Should Do
If you’ve been labeled high-risk, here are the positive steps you can take to stay healthy. Each one is like a little building block supporting your baby’s growth.
1. Attend All Your Prenatal Appointments
Think of your prenatal checkups as regular wellness checks for both you and your baby. Missing these appointments makes it harder for your pregnancy doctor to spot any problems early.
They might monitor your blood pressure, do extra ultrasounds to check on the baby’s growth, or run tests depending on your health.
Example: If you have high blood pressure, your doctor might keep an eye on it to prevent conditions like preeclampsia, which can cause complications.
2. Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating well is like giving your baby the fuel they need to grow strong and healthy. Focus on foods like lean proteins (chicken, eggs, beans), leafy greens (spinach, kale), fruits, whole grains, and dairy for calcium.
- Foods to include:
- Leafy greens and lentils for folic acid (to prevent birth defects).
- Dairy or fortified plant-based milk for calcium.
- Iron-rich foods like beans, red meat, or spinach to avoid anemia (low iron).
- Omega-3 fatty acids from fish like salmon (support brain development).
If you’re experiencing nausea, try smaller, more frequent meals instead of big ones.
3. Stay Hydrated
Water is essential for both you and your baby! It helps maintain your amniotic fluid levels (that cushion of liquid your baby floats in).
If you’re dehydrated, you might feel dizzy or even experience early contractions. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water a day.
Tip: If plain water is boring, try adding a slice of lemon or cucumber.
4. Take Prenatal Vitamins
Pregnancy puts extra demands on your body, and even the healthiest diet might not give you everything you need. A daily prenatal vitamin fills in the gaps. Look for one with folic acid, iron, calcium, and Vitamin D.
- Why folic acid? It lowers the chance of serious birth defects like spina bifida.
- Why iron? It helps prevent tiredness and supports your baby’s blood supply.
5. Exercise Safely
Regular movement can boost your mood, improve circulation, and reduce common pregnancy aches. Stick to low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga.
Avoid exercises that involve heavy weights, lying on your back, or the risk of falling (like skiing or cycling on uneven terrain).
Example: A 30-minute stroll in the evening is not just safe but also refreshing.
6. Manage Stress
Being pregnant can bring a lot of emotions—excitement, but also anxiety. High stress can affect your blood pressure and, ultimately, your pregnancy. Stress-relieving techniques like meditation, journaling, or talking to a counselor can help.
Idea: Join a pregnancy support group to connect with other moms in similar situations. Sharing your worries can lighten the load.
7. Get Plenty of Rest
You’re growing a human—it’s okay to feel tired! Sleep is when your body repairs and recharges. Aim for at least 7-9 hours a night.
If your bump makes sleeping hard, try placing a pillow between your knees and sleeping on your left side, which improves blood flow to your baby.
8. Follow Doctor-Approved Medications
Only take medications that your doctor has approved, even for small things like headaches or allergies. Some medicines are unsafe during pregnancy. Always check first.
9. Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations
Vaccines like the flu shot and Tdap protect you and your baby from serious illnesses. Some infections, like whooping cough (pertussis), can be life-threatening for newborns, so these shots are important.
10. Track Baby Movements
After 20 weeks, pay attention to how often you feel your baby kick or move. Less movement could mean your baby needs help, so check with your doctor if something feels off.
High-Risk Pregnancy Don’ts – Things to Avoid
Avoiding certain habits and actions can help prevent unnecessary risks.
1. Don’t Use Harmful Substances
This includes smoking, drinking alcohol, or using recreational drugs. These can cause serious complications like preterm birth, low birth weight, or developmental issues for your baby.
Tip: If quitting is hard, ask your doctor for resources—they can help you find support.
2. Limit Caffeine
Too much caffeine can raise your blood pressure and increase the risk of miscarriage. Stick to one cup of coffee a day or opt for decaf teas.
3. Say No to Certain Foods
Some foods are riskier during pregnancy because they can carry bacteria or harmful chemicals. Avoid:
- Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and fish (risk of foodborne illness).
- Unpasteurized dairy products.
- High-mercury fish like shark, swordfish, or king mackerel.
Cook all meat thoroughly and check labels!
4. Avoid Overheating
Hot tubs, saunas, or very hot baths can raise your body temperature to dangerous levels, which may harm your baby. Stick to warm—not hot—water.
5. Don’t Overdo Physical Activities
Avoid heavy lifting or any physical strain that leaves you breathless. Activities like moving furniture or carrying heavy groceries are better left to someone else for now.
6. Watch Out for Unsafe Medications
Non-prescription painkillers like ibuprofen or NSAIDs should be avoided unless your doctor says otherwise. Some cold and allergy medicines aren’t safe either. Always double-check.
7. Limit Long Travel
Traveling is usually safe early in pregnancy but becomes risky toward the third trimester—especially for high-risk pregnancies. If you must travel, make sure to stretch your legs often and stay hydrated.
8. Be Cautious About Sexual Activity
For most people, sex during pregnancy is safe, but for high-risk pregnancies (like if you have a weak cervix), your doctor might recommend limiting it. Always ask if you’re unsure.
9. Avoid Chemicals and Pollutants
Strong cleaning products, pesticides, and air pollution can expose you to toxins that aren’t safe for your baby. Use natural cleaning products and work in well-ventilated spaces.
10. Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Certain symptoms could mean trouble. Call your doctor if you experience:
- Severe headaches that won’t go away.
- Sudden swelling in your face or hands.
- Vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge.
- Blurred vision or dizziness.
- Signs that your baby isn’t moving as much as usual.
Concerned About Warning Signs?
Trust Dr. Supriya Puranik, the best high-risk pregnancy specialist in Pune, for expert care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can I still have a normal delivery?
Yes! Many women with high-risk pregnancies go on to have normal, healthy deliveries. It depends on your specific condition and care.
2.What’s the safest position to sleep in?
On your side, preferably the left! It’s better for blood flow.
3.Can I work while pregnant?
Most women can continue working but might need adjustments depending on their job. If your work is physically demanding or high-stress, talk to your doctor.
Final Thoughts
A high-risk pregnancy may feel like a lot to handle, but with the right care and support, you can have a healthy and happy experience.
Follow these do’s and don’ts, trust your doctor’s advice, and remember—you’re doing an incredible job preparing to meet your little one. You’ve got this!
If you need more guidance, schedule a consultation with your doctor or a pregnancy specialist. They’ll help make sure that both you and your baby stay safe every step of the way.
Related Read : How to manage High-Risk Pregnancy?
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About Author
Dr. Supriya Puranik
Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist
Dr. Supriya Puranik, a renowned gynaecologist and infertility expert, leads the IVF & Gynaecology department at Sahyadri Hospitals Momstory in Shivaji Nagar, Pune. She is committed to helping couples overcome infertility challenges.
