High Risk Pregnancy

sincavage1

I am 22 wks and 2 days pregnant with my first and it has proven to be much more challenging than I expected. I guess I just want to know that I'm not alone. I have had chronic UTI's, yeast infections, and constipation throughout my pregnancy which have been treated but not successfully. They have recently (over the past month) begun to cause serious problems including contractions. I have dilated 1cm and am taking steroids, antibiotics, and all kinds of other meds to avoid preterm labor. However, it is a significant risk. I have been on bed rest twice. My doc just sent me back to work but only part time. I am terrified! I am actually scared to work especially b/c I think I still have a UTI, but I am following her orders. When I asked her how to know when something was seriously wrong she told me just to be attentive to my body and note any changes. I'm pregnant everything is changing! I am finding this overwhelming b/c I know I am ultimately responsible for seeking medical care fast if I need it again but I don't want to overreact and go the ER every other day. Can anyone else relate?

BeerBeck

First of all, I am sorry that you are going through all of this.

As for me, thankfully this pregnancy has been alright so far, but the last was another story.

I recommend checking out the "High-Risk Pregnany" board, as you will find people in similar situations who are willing to talk, share, and relate.

jmaeberkley

I'm high risk too...I had a blood clot in my placenta with my last pregnancy and had my twins stillborn at 33 weeks.  Needless to say, I am paranoid...I call my dr for EVERYTHING!  I have been to the ER twice...the first time for cramping and everything turned out fine, the second because I had kidney stones and a UTI....I am an over-reactor so I can't tell you not to worry and not to over react, that would be a little hypocritical of me!  I just suggest calling and talking to a nurse if you think something is wrong...they will usually let you know if you need to come in or go to the hospital!

sincavage1

Thanks. I can't imagine what you've been through. I know I would be terrified as well after going through that. I wish you the best of luck with this pregnancy!

jmaeberkley

Thank you! and you too!

dutton3741

I'm high risk as well... 40 years old, 3 miscarriages (this is my first successful one and I'm 17 weeks pregnant now), and diabetic.  Luckily my doctor hasn't referred to me as "high risk," but I know I am.  Any one of those factors would classify me as such, but when you combine the 3, it's super-high risk.  So far, things look good for this pregnancy (have had 2 ultrasounds, seen & heard the heartbeat, and genetic testing looks good as well), but I'm very paranoid as well.  Every time I go to the bathroom, I look for spotting, fearing the worst, but so glad when there's nothing there! 

 Know that you're not alone and in this case, being extra cautious & safe while asking a ton of questions is the best approach if it feels right for you.  Your doctor is there to answer your questions and help ensure a successful pregnancy and delivery.  Part of that formula is keeping your stress as low as possible.  And if calling every day helps you achieve that, do it!

KatFCo

I'm high-risk also, due to a previous pregnancy that resulted in preterm-labor at just under 24 weeks. I understand how scary this can be. It might help to ask the doctor to be more specific about what changes are okay and what changes are not.

My preterm labor started with a low backache and contractions. if you start feeling a pain or tightening (it may not be as severe as full-term contractions are) that comes and goes, that's a change to call your doctor about. Ask your doctor how many contractions are a problem, especially because Braxton Hicks can start about now. My doctor wants me to call her if I have 2 and hour. usually they say 6.

Stool softeners can help with the constipation. My doctor recommended Colace, but your dr might be able to suggest one she prefers.

if you're curious about what to watch for, definitely call the doctor's office and ask for more details. They're used to people asking questions or calling about issues.