LEARNING ACTIVITY 1: REFLECTION PAPER: CARE

OF MOTHER AT RISK OR WITH DITURBANCES

DURING ANTENATAL PERIOD

I have learned that a high-risk pregnancy is one in which some condition puts the mother, the
developing fetus, or both at higher-than-normal risk for complications during or after the
pregnancy and birth. But there are changes that can make to increase chances of having a
healthy pregnancy. From what I’ve learned, there are a lot of tips that can prevent high risk
pregnancy. One is to Maintain or achieve a healthy weight before pregnancy. Second is to
take prenatal supplements. Third is to manage pre-existing health conditions
and the most important one is to visit a Doctor. Because Regular prenatal appointments are
essential to monitoring both your health and the health of your growing baby. My aunt who
is a doctor, has handled them multiple times over the years in order to provide excellent care
that meets each individual's needs. Pregnancy with high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes,
epilepsy, thyroid disease, and heart or blood disorders, poorly controlled asthma, and
infections are some of the many high-risk pregnancy cases that my aunt has handled
successfully. But in my own opinion about this is that There's no way to prepare for bearing
a child. There just isn't. Learn how to deal with stress in a healthy manner. Have a partner
who is 100% committed. Have a well paying job. Have health insurance. Laugh. Sing.
Dance. Talk in funny voices. Finger paint. Get dirty. Get over everything. My aunt once told
me that
“the physical pain of childbirth is very manageable. Why do you think there aren't more only
children in the world? If it was so terrible, women would stop at one. But they're the
exception. But wait until you're walking down that road before you worry. Things shift and
settle once you're pregnant. You're braver than you know.
I hope this helps. I can't lie and say its easy. It's the hardest thing you will ever do.” I also
asked my aunt about the most important things a woman can do to prepare her body for
pregnancy? She said that the mother should take prenatals and a DHA supplement if you’re
trying to get pregnant. Your body will have all of the vitamins that baby will need. There is
the type of DHA that the mother can get from fish or can take the vegetarian/vegan one from
algae. My aunt also advised her patient to eat healthy and drink a lot of water.
Prep skin for stretching. Make sure it’s all moisturized or you may end up with a lot of
stretch marks. She also recommend her patient to use body oils and body lotion on their
thighs, lower thighs, the sides of their thighs/butt, the sides of their waist, the sides of their
tummy, and their actual tummy. My aunt also shared about her experience during her
pregnancy that she started oils and lotion pretty early in her pregnancy, but she left out all of
the areas she listed except for her stomach. Guess where she got all of the stretch marks
during her pregnancy? The areas that she didn’t prep and protect to begin with.
She said that every mother should not stress out. Pregnancies usually happen when they least
expect it. A lot of people conceive while going through the whole process of tracking their
ovulation period, but I heard sex gets to be like a job instead of being enjoyable. I don’t
know about the other mothers, but to my future self, I would rather conceive my child within
 a moment where I was showing my love to my baby’s father and was enjoying what I was
doing.
I have learned that every mothers should Mentally prepare theirselves for the chances of
miscarriage. It’s super common, but they can easily start trying again once they feel
comfortable. My aunt shared that she will suggest the mother waiting a month before she try
to conceive again after she miscarried so that her body could reset itself and heal.
It could take her a week to conceive, a month, or years. She must not worry about it and it
will happen when it’s supposed to. Those are the best ways to prep for pregnancy as my aunt
said. About this question that How can you be supportive during a high-risk pregnancy? I
have learned that we should Take the time to understand what facets of the pregnancy are
making it high-risk. Then see what kinds of effects they have on the wellbeing of the
pregnant girl or woman. Do some research into what are the healthiest and most effective
ways of offsetting those effects and then do what you can to make them happen.
For example, she is suffering from gestational diabetes and hypertension. Research healthy
meals that will help her keep control of both. Do the shopping and preparing of meals. Make
sure she is staying well hydrated and is getting low-impact exercise, like prenatal yoga.
Aside from all of that - practice good communication skills. Actively listen when she is
sharing her experiences and struggles - DON’T try to start fixing them for her. Just listen. If
she solicits your advice or help, do so but be careful of accidentally usurping her ability to
take care of herself. Basically - don’t treat her like a child. Just an adult human being who is
going through a unique and challenging experience and wants to share it with you. So share -
listen, give supportive feedback, vocalize whatever goodwill, love, and concern you have.
If you do that, you’re almost perfect.

Submitted to:
Fleoy T. Ysmael, RN e. D, MAN, RM LPT

Submitted by:
Lacangan, Thea Yvonne T. BSN2A