Pregnant and on Bed Rest, Now What?

You're pregnant and your doctor just got done telling you that you need to be on bed rest. There are many clinical reasons why your doctor would put you on bed rest either indefinitely or for a certain amount of time during your pregnancy. I'm not going to discuss these possible reasons that your pregnancy calls for bed rest, but I will help you with ideas that will pass the time while you are on bed rest.

The first few hours of bed rest may seem wonderful especially if you have had a difficult and tiresome pregnancy. After a nap, you may find yourself bored and fidgety lying in bed. Then the worrying starts. You may be worried about what is happening to your baby, what you still need to do to prepare for his or her arrival, and who will take care of it all. If you have other children at home then you start to worry about what they are doing and if they are alright. You need to stop worrying and get yourself occupied with what you can and cannot do.

Know the Conditions of Your Bed Rest

Ask your doctor about what specific activities you are allowed while you are on bed rest. Are you allowed to sit up? If so, for how long and how often? Should you lay on a particular side or flip every so often? Answers to these questions will help you plan out your days.

There is a difference between complete and partial bed rest. If you allowed to get up and move around then you also need to know how much activity you are allowed to do and how often.

Do not break the rules. Being on bed rest during pregnancy is for both your health and your baby's health. It is not easy, but you can do it.

Pregnant and on Bed Rest: Plan Your Day

Try to set up schedule for your days while you are on bed rest. Keeping yourself on a schedule will help you sleep better also. Go to sleep when you normally would, wake up when you normally would , and plan a nap too.

Set aside specific times for computer work or just checking email. If you have to report in to the office then let them know the hours that you will be available.

Set aside time during your day to read, watch television, and to just relax. You can shop through catalogs or the internet. This will help if your nursery is not complete yet. It will take away some anxiety if you pick out what you need and where to get it.

Pregnant and on Bed Rest: Electronic Help

A laptop computer is ideal for a pregnant mom on bed rest. This can help you keep in touch with friends, email, and the office. Schedule specific times to check email and do web searching or you may find yourself losing track of time or sitting up for too long.

You can use the internet to find out more information on your pregnancy and the reasons you are on bed rest. If it would help your anxiety then you can read about your specific pregnancy problem. If reading this information will cause you to become more anxious then avoid the pregnancy websites.

Plug and play video games may also help you pass the time while you are on bed rest during your pregnancy. These games are sold normally under $30 and have a number of games preprogrammed in the handset. I have seen Pac Man, Dig Dug, and Tetris in stores.

Pregnant and on Bed Rest: Reading Material

Books, magazines, and catalogs will help pass some time while you are on bed rest. Catch up on your favorite author or discover new ones. You can read about your pregnancy.

If you enjoy puzzles then get your favorite Sudoku, logic problems, or crossword puzzle magazines. If visitors ask what you need then let them know what magazines you would like.

You can shop for needed items through catalogs. This will help you complete your baby's nursery or just give you the motivation to get back into your pre-pregnancy size.

Pregnant and on Bed Rest: Visiting Times

Schedule visitation times with your kids, friends, and family. These times may just be phone calls or they may be face to face visits. Do not be afraid to ask for visitors if you feel up to it. Don't demand that they come over but ask them to. Family and friends may be hesitant to invite themselves over so if you are up to it, then ask.

If you have other children it may be more difficult to stick to a scheduled visitation time. Keep communication open with whoever is watching them so that they know what conflicts they are allowed to handle and when you need to intervene.

You can also schedule family nights in your bed. Have everyone gather with snacks and watch your favorite movie or television show.

Being on bed rest while you are pregnant is not as easy as it sounds. Worrying does not help you, your family, or your baby. Keep yourself occupied with what you can do and do not overdo what your doctor tells you. Make the best of being on bed rest and always remember that you are doing what is best for you and your baby.

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