Facing a high-risk pregnancy?
This article is in partnership with Motherly. It was written collaboratively by MÈRE providers: Jane Purser, DNP FNP-C; Becca Hamilton, LPC, PMH-C; and Dr. Margaret Archer, PT, DPT. Find a preview below & keep reading on Motherly!
Continue reading below for a brief excerpt:
Hearing the words “high-risk pregnancy” can change everything—your care plan, your expectations, and how you feel day to day. It’s a physically and emotionally demanding experience, but you’re not alone.
Here, three experts from Mère Health—a nurse practitioner, a perinatal therapist, and a pelvic floor physical therapist—share what they want every woman to know about navigating this chapter with support and confidence.
What it means to carry the high-risk label
Jane Purser, DNP FNP-C: A high-risk pregnancy is defined as an increased chance of health complications for either mother, the baby, or both during pregnancy, birth, or after delivery. It doesn’t necessarily mean something will go wrong, but it does allow us as providers to pay close attention with more care and monitoring.
If we have this “high risk pregnancy”, now what? Managing it can be both emotional and physical—but there are people and protocols that are there to help hold your hand:
Regular Prenatal Visits
These are in place for close monitoring. If and when an OB feels like it is necessary, they may send you to see a Maternal-Fetal medicine specialist. This may seem scary, but these providers are just that extra layer of care to reassure you and closely monitor. You likely see a provider every 2 weeks starting as early as 20-24 weeks, all pending the condition. In addition, there may be additional growth ultrasounds, earlier non-stress tests, Biophysical profiles (BPP), lab work, and blood pressure checks.Follow Medical Advice Closely
If given diet changes or recommendations, try your best to follow them. If prescribed a specific medication, trust the provider. Try your best to avoid misinformation or sources that aren’t reliable. You’ll easily get lost in the deep dark place of the internet that breeds fear and inaccurate information.Healthy Diet and Adequate Hydration
I repeat, eat well and drink plenty. All nutrients are critical in pregnancy and especially important in high-risk scenarios. This is where obtaining labs and taking appropriate supplements can come into place. A functional medicine provider (hi, that’s me) would love to guide you through this. Folic acid, iron, calcium, and protein need to become your friends.Manage Stress
Well of course, but how? Talk it out, and talk it out again. Find those safe people in your life that don’t care about the “I’m super worried“ texts at 1 a.m. This is also where a PMH-C therapist can really equip you with the correct tools to work through it.Get Enough Rest
Say no to the late night dinner parties or early morning PTA meetings. This is not the season to be overdoing it. Listen to what your body needs and be okay with saying no so you can catch up on rest.Move Your Body (Unless Advised Otherwise)
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. If you are fearful about what is appropriate, this is something to verify with your OB depending on your specific condition. Just because you have been labeled high-risk does not mean bed rest is required. This is patient-specific and will be discussed in detail if told to remain inactive.Monitor your Symptoms
You are your biggest advocate—trust your gut.
Becca Hamilton, LPC, PMH-C: Hearing the words “high-risk pregnancy” can feel overwhelming. For many women, it sparks fear or confusion especially when everything has felt fine so far. It is helpful to think of “high risk” as a classification, not a sentence. It means that your pregnancy requires closer monitoring because there may be an increased chance of challenges or complications for you, your baby, or both of you.
It’s common to feel anxious or frustrated particularly when so much feels out of your control. Pregnancy is already filled with unknowns, and this label can add a new layer of worry: about your body, your baby, and your future. It can bring up feelings of guilt, frustration, or even grief, especially if you had hoped for a more straightforward or “normal” experience.
Some women feel like their joy is suddenly overshadowed by medical language and monitoring. Others feel isolated, unsure whether their experience still fits into the flowing, celebratory narrative often seen in pregnancy spaces.
The MÈRE Team is thrilled to be in partnership with Motherly to continue supporting & educating women through all motherhood chapters. Read the full article via the button below: