Indulgent Gifts for Expectant Moms on Bed Rest

If you've ever been on pre-natal bed rest, you know how excruciatingly slow the time can pass. Your bed becomes a prison. You yearn to complete the simplest tasks like getting yourself a glass of water or brushing your teeth standing up, but they are forbidden. If you know an expectant mom who must spend the remainder of her pregnancy on bed rest, bring her some holiday cheer with one of these gift ideas.

When I was on bed rest, I came to hate my bedding in its entirety. The sheets were too rough; the comforter was too lumpy. Of course, this discomfort was mostly fostered by my frustration, but why not make an expectant mom's "prison" as luxurious as possible?Spiegel's Victorian-inspired Pintuck Embellished Sheet Set will beautify any bed. These lavish 340-thread-count sheets come in ivory or white. ($117.99-131.99; www.spiegal.com)

Dress up the pregnant mother's bed with the Diamond Matelasse Coverlet from Restoration Hardware. Offered in ten colors, these sumptuous coverlets have an understated pearly sheen. Matching pillow shams and bedskirts are also available. ($39-229; www.restorationhardware.com)

She will be happy to snuggle up with a Silk Fleece Throw. These 50" x 72" throws are edged with Charmeuse silk. They are light-weight but cozy. Available in Natural, Pink, Cielo Blue, Sand, Green Tea, and Chocolate. ($99; www.downunderchicago.com)

Women on bed rest spend much of the time lying on their left sides. Alleviate some of the discomfort caused by perpetually being in this position with the Natural Maternity Pillow. Designed to support both the belly and lower back, this comfy pillow will relieve some of the stiffness bedridden moms may experience. ($39.95; www.onestopbaby.com)

Although she is confined to her bed, the expectant mom will probably still want to look her best. Pamper her with one of these indulgent gifts.

Women on pregnancy bed rest probably have some of the best fingernails of their lives-as long as they're not nail biters. Pre-natal vitamins, combined with no physical activity, cultivate strong nails. The expectant mom can groom her new nails with Sephora's Manicure Kit. This quality set comes with seven manicure tools and a fold-out carrying case. ($30) Help her keep her hands softened with Philosophy's Empowermint Hand Cream. The shea-butter hand cream has a light mint fragrance. ($20) She can show off her beautiful hands with one of Sephora's 60 trendy nail polishes. ($4; www.sephora.com )

A girl hardly feels like entertaining visitors when dressed in shabby old pajamas. Many clothes are not comfortable for languishing in bed, but the Stretch Relaxed Pant and Luxe Cardigan Sweater from Victoria's Secret are a comfortable, chic alternative to PJs. The pant's draw-string waist and the thigh-length cardigan make this set roomy enough for maternity wear. Available in six subdued, coordinating colors. ($39-49 per piece; www.victoriasecret.com)

Treat the expectant mom with Crabtree and Evelyn's Goatmilk Comforting Body Cream. The rich cream has a relaxing lavender scent. ($28; www.crabtree-evelyn.com )

Fighting boredom is one of the biggest challenges facing a pregnant woman on bed rest. Give her one of the following to help her conquer the monotony.

Entertain the bedridden mom with a DVD of her favorite TV show or get her addicted to a new series. Seasons One through Four of 24 are now available on one DVD for $99. Season Five is also available on a separate DVD for $38.99 She may also like Season One and Two of Gray's Anatomy. Both DVDs have deleted scenes and cast commentary. ($17.96-34.76; www.amazon.com)

Keep her mind occupied with a gift basket of books. Book Bouquet offers a number of gift options, like their Love to Read Gift Basket which includes your choice of two bestsellers plus some edible goodies ($124.99; www.bookbouquet.com).

Even if the expectant mom is not the crafty type, she might like to learn a new skill and focus on why she is tolerating bed rest in the first place-her baby. She could learn to knit with the books Basic Knit ($9.95) and Baby Knits ($19.95). These books plus knitting needles and yarn are all she will need to make baby's first hat and booties. (www.thewoolery.com) Or consider the Janie Dawson Baby Scrapbook Kit. This great keepsake comes with pattern papers and protective page covers, plus decorative and border stickers. She will easily be able to design the first pages, perhaps featuring ultrasound and baby shower photos. ($17.89; www.rdstore.com)