Can you reduce your risks of having a stillborn baby?

Whether you are considering starting the journey to have a child or have recently found out you are expecting, you have probably already begun to think about what adventures lie ahead. You may have discussed potential risks with your health care provider in Washington in relation to your pregnancy; conditions like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and stillbirth among others. Stillbirth in particular can sometimes happen unexpectedly, but when you are familiar with what you can do to reduce your risks, you may be able to more effectively lower your risks.

According to Baby Center, prescription medications are valuable in helping reduce or eliminate unwanted symptoms, but certain kinds can be dangerous for you to be taking during pregnancy. As soon as you realize that you are pregnant, it is important to discuss what medications you are taking with your doctor. You should disclose how much you are taking, how often and for what symptoms. This way, your doctor can modify or replace what you need to avoid putting your baby’s life at risk. 

Other things you may consider doing include the following:

  • If you want to get pregnant and are overweight, consider losing a couple of pounds before conceiving.
  • If you have had other pregnancies that were classified as “high-risk,” make sure you tell your doctor.
  • Never take drugs or drink alcohol while you are pregnant.
  • Throughout your pregnancy, watch for unexpected bleeding or strange symptoms that could indicate something is wrong.

The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.