A move to a new home or area during a pregnancy complicated by hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) can be stressful if you don’t have the right preparation methods and tools.
High-risk pregnancies, like any pregnancy, require continuity of care to ensure the best outcomes. Careful planning ahead of time to transfer your care to HDFN-specialized providers and establish a solid support network in your new city can reduce anxiety as you navigate your HDFN-affected pregnancy.
Preparing for your move
In addition to maintaining continuity in your medical care, it is important to keep the move as stress-free as possible. Make sure you delegate the packing, lifting and moving of your personal items and furniture to protect yourself against risks like miscarriage and preterm birth.
House moves during the first trimester have been linked to an increase in premature births and low birthweight across pregnancies, regardless of whether they were high-risk or not. This can be due to the stress associated with leading up to the move, stressful situations related to moving or a disruption of pregnancy-related care. Some of this can be mitigated by hiring movers or enlisting the help of family members or friends to help you throughout the packing and moving process.
Transferring your specialist HDFN care
As soon as you know your new address, you can start planning to transfer your medical care. Amongst the long list of moving-related tasks, make it a priority to set up your healthcare team in your new city.
Here are some essential steps to making sure you have no disruption to specialized prenatal care.
Compile your medical records: Have copies of your medical records, lab results, ultrasounds as well as a care summary from your current obstetrician. Ask your doctor if they’d agree to a call for a comprehensive handover.
Ask for referrals: Ask your healthcare team to recommend HDFN specialists in your new city.
Ensure you have sufficient supplies of medication: When you move, fill any prescriptions and make sure you have enough medication to cover you until you have a new doctor.
Make contact with a new maternal–fetal medicine (MFM) specialist as soon as possible: Set up a first appointment ahead of time to ensure continuity of care following your move. A gap in your prenatal care will only create anxiety and may contribute to complications later in pregnancy.
Register with your new hospital: Under the guidance of your new MFM, register with a hospital experienced in managing HDFN-affected pregnancies.
Connect with local HDFN support groups: Ask your local MFM for advice and do some research online for local HDFN support groups.
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