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After experiencing two miscarriages, Sarah was taken aback to discover she was pregnant once again. Along with her previous losses, she dealt with chronic hypertension and was considered overweight, leading to her pregnancy being classified as high-risk. Sarah recalls being passed between various OB-GYNs, each one pressuring her to lose weight while she was pregnant. “It felt like they viewed me as just a number rather than a patient,” she shares. “While I understand the need for thoroughness, their treatment left me feeling more depressed and anxious than supported — even though I did everything I could to maintain a healthy pregnancy.”
Although her doctors occasionally mentioned her mental health during appointments, Sarah felt as if they were reciting a script rather than genuinely engaging with her concerns. “Every little twinge filled me with fear of another miscarriage or preterm birth. I would panic if my blood pressure rose even slightly, and the thought of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) haunted me. Now, 2.5 years postpartum, I still find myself worried about SIDS,” she reflects.
Emily, another expectant mother, faced similar challenges during her twin pregnancy, which included one baby diagnosed with Intrauterine Growth Restriction. “As a first-time mom, I received little guidance on available resources and support,” she explains. “Even though my doctors were aware of my depression, it seemed to mean little to them beyond being noted in my chart. I felt isolated and unimportant, left to navigate this journey alone while managing the stress of being high-risk.”
This highlights the paradox of high-risk pregnancies: women are informed about potential complications that can lead to significant anxiety, yet they often lack the mental health support they require. To delve deeper, we spoke with medical professionals and women who have endured high-risk pregnancies to identify the emotional resources available and how friends, family, and partners can offer assistance.
Understanding High-Risk Pregnancies
Several factors can contribute to a pregnancy being classified as high-risk. According to the Mayo Clinic, these include advanced maternal age (over 35), substance use during pregnancy, carrying multiples (twins, triplets, etc.), maternal health issues (such as high blood pressure and diabetes), and a history of complications in previous pregnancies. As pregnancy rates among women aged 35 and older continue to rise in the United States, high-risk pregnancies are becoming increasingly common and should not be treated as rare occurrences.
Types of High-Risk Pregnancies
Examples of high-risk pregnancies include:
- Premature Labor: Contractions occurring before the 37th week of pregnancy, which can result in premature birth.
- Placenta Previa: A condition where the placenta covers the cervix, leading to potential heavy bleeding. Women with multiple pregnancies or previous cesarean sections are at higher risk.
- Preeclampsia: Characterized by protein in the urine and high blood pressure, which can affect liver and kidney function.
Seeking Emotional Support
Experiencing a high-risk pregnancy increases the likelihood of anxiety and depression during and after pregnancy. “Anxiety is an emotional reaction to a perceived threat,” explains Dr. Lisa, a clinical psychologist specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. “In the context of high-risk pregnancy, the threat pertains to the well-being of the mother and her baby, making heightened anxiety understandable.”
If you are navigating a high-risk pregnancy, it’s crucial to establish a support system — don’t hesitate to ask for help. “Consider attending therapy to process the emotions related to your situation,” suggests Dr. Karen, an assistant professor and mental health clinician focused on reproductive health. Online support groups can also be beneficial, especially if mobility is limited. “Many individuals find virtual support, such as Facebook groups, to be incredibly helpful,” adds Sarah, director of communications for a support organization.
Notably, it’s not just first-time mothers who require support. Dr. Jenna, a family physician, shares her experience of a complicated high-risk pregnancy that included bed rest and gestational diabetes. “Even with my medical background, I understood the statistical risks of not becoming a new mother,” she says. Dr. Jenna urges others facing high-risk pregnancies to actively seek out the necessary support: “Women should not try to manage everything alone; it’s important to express when you’re not feeling like yourself. Mental health is as crucial as physical health.”
Open communication is key. Discuss your feelings with your doctor, partner, and friends. They may have additional resources or simply provide the emotional support you need. Dr. Jenna recommends forming a “Mom Tribe” — a group of mothers or other women who can offer advice and companionship through shared experiences.
How Friends and Family Can Help
If you know someone going through a high-risk pregnancy, you might feel uncertain about how to help. “It takes a village — partners and loved ones should check in regularly by simply asking, ‘How do you feel?’ or ‘Is there anything I can do to assist?’” advises Dr. Emily, a licensed therapist specializing in perinatal mental health. Such questions create an opportunity for the mother to share her experiences and feel supported.
Listening non-judgmentally is crucial. Avoid giving unsolicited advice unless requested. Instead, consider offering practical help, like bringing meals, running errands, or assisting with other children. You might also offer to accompany them to medical appointments if they’d find that beneficial.
Above all, let them know you’re there for them. Acknowledge that you may not have the right words to say but recognize the difficulty of their situation. Sometimes, just being present can make a significant difference.
Some names have been altered for privacy.
If you’re interested in more insights on this topic, check out our other blog post for more resources.
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Summary
Women experiencing high-risk pregnancies often face heightened anxiety and stress, yet they frequently lack adequate emotional support. Establishing a strong support system, seeking therapy, and connecting with others who understand the experience can significantly help. Partners, family, and friends play a crucial role by checking in, listening, and offering practical assistance without imposing solutions. Open communication about feelings and the need for support can foster a healthier mental state during this challenging time.