There are common questions that we can answer about all health topics, such as "What is it?" and "How many people are affected." Answers to these questions are found under Condition Information. Each health topic frequently has specific questions that pertain only to that topic. We have answered those in this section.
How do I know if I have or will have a high-risk pregnancy?
If you are thinking about getting pregnant or are already pregnant, visit your health care provider. He or she will check your medical history and run tests to determine whether you are likely to have a high-risk pregnancy. Your health care provider will help you come up with a plan for reducing the risks while you are pregnant.
How can I best take care of myself and my fetus during my pregnancy?
You can take care of yourself and your fetus during pregnancy by eating healthy; avoiding drugs, smoking, and alcohol; exercising regularly; getting good prenatal care; and following your health care provider’s recommendations.
You may also want to sign up for regular text messages about pregnancy and well-baby care with
text4baby.
If I get gestational diabetes, will I still have diabetes after the infant is born?
If you develop diabetes during pregnancy, typically, you do not continue to have diabetes after delivery. However, gestational diabetes can raise a woman’s risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Read more about what to expect if you develop gestational diabetes.
As an older first-time mom, am I more likely to have a cesarean section?
Just because a woman is older, it does not mean she will have a cesarean delivery. However, older woman are more likely to have high-risk pregnancies, so if you are an older first-time mom, it is possible that you will have complications that require a cesarean.