Bedrest

Why would a doctor prescribe bedrest?

Bedrest During Pregnancy
Bedrest is a common practice during pregnancy to help control or prevent some pregnancy complications. Bedrest can differ from woman to woman. Some conditions require longer bedrest than others. The amount of bedrest may range from simple resting at home to full bedrest and monitoring in a hospital. Occasionally, doctors will recommend bedrest for the duration of a woman's pregnancy. It is hard to be excited when you need to be getting things ready for the new baby and can't because of bedrest. Bedrest may prevent you from going to work or taking care of daily tasks at home. It is normal and common to be worried about your health and your baby's health. With careful monitoring and doctor supervision, your bedrest should help prevent any possible complications.

Try to greet each day with a smile, follow a routine and make the best of your time. The day can seem lengthy and boring if you do not have anything to keep you occupied. Here are some ideas to help you get through the day:

Take a brief shower or bath-ask your doctor first
If possible, put on regular clothes
Eat three balanced meals and two snacks
Engage in activities
Take a short nap

You need to keep a few things near you during the day. Bedrest will lose its benefit if you continuously have to get up to get needed items. If you need something that you do not have, ask for help:

a few comfortable clothes or robes/gowns
bras and underwear
slippers
telephone and phone numbers
paper, pencils, and address book.
any necessary medications
watch or clockdeodorant, shampoo, makeup, etc.
brush,comb and mirror
magazines, books, puzzles, calendar, and craft projects
laptop computer, if possible

Things To Do While On Bedrest:

Small craft items. If you are in the hospital, they may have an activities therapist that can visit you. If your hospital does not offer this service, ask family members of friends to bring you something that interests you.
Read. Most hospitals have libraries that you can borrow books from. Use your time in the hospital to finish up a book that you have been wanting to read. Have friends or family bring you parenting and baby magazines, or other magazines that you like.
Mail. Use this time to write to friends and family that you have not talked to in awhile. Put your cards and letters up in your room. Encourage friends and family to use an email service if your hospital offers it.
Keep a journal. More than likely, you will forget details of your pregnancy. Write down your feelings, thoughts and anything special that occurs. Work in the baby's book.
Music/movies: Many hospitals have a patient library that you can borrow from. Ask if the patient library has cassette tapes, videos and VCR's to reserve. Your nurse may be able to provide you with educational videos about birth, pregnancy and premature babies.
Learn: Ask your nurse for information about being on bedrest. If there is a particular reason for your bedrest, ask to see literature on that subject.
Crosswords puzzles and other brain teasers: These can be a fun, challenging way of passing away the hours.
Organize photo albums, recipe books, update address books, etc..

Family And Friends Can Help:

Calling your room throughout the week to see how you are and if you need anything.
Helping in the house with chores, cooking, paying bills, and childcare.
Visitation is an important way that friends or family can help you. You won't feel so lonely if you have visitors from time to time.

Your Other Children:

As long as your children are not sick, they should visit you as often as possible. When they can not visit, talk to them on the phone.
Keep pictures of your children near your bed. You may want to post pictures they have drawn for you also.
Encourage your children to talk about how they feel. It is hard having mom out of the picture for awhile.
If on bedrest at home, you should have someone that can help out with the children and household duties.

It is important that you help the nurses and doctors help you. They will probably want you to keep track of baby's movements, contractions and any changes in how you physically feel. You should be recording how much you drink and eat. If you are not catheterized, you should also keep track of your urine output. Watch for signs of illness and notify your nurse or doctor if you are not feeling well.

Your doctor may prescribe bed est for any number of reasons. Normally he or she has found a complication that bedrest will help with. It is in the best interest of you and your growing baby to cooperate with the doctor's decision and rest to ensure a healthy pregnancy. If you are experiencing high blood pressure, vaginal bleeding, premature labor, poor fetal movement or have gestational diabetes you may be a candidate for bedrest. Bedrest may also help you if you are having multiples or have a history of pregnancy loss, stillbirth or premature birth. An incompetent cervix, early dilation and any type of placenta problem may also require bedrest.

In most cases, you will be asked to sleep or rest on your side, preferably the left side, with your knees or hips bent. The best position for bedrest will depend on your situation and what complication your healthcare provider is trying to address or prevent. You may be asked to lie on your back while being propped up with pillows or lying on your back with your hips or legs elevated higher than your shoulders.

Bedrest Discomforts
Even though you are resting in the bed, you will probably experiene some discomforts. Because you are going to be lying down for long periods of time, bedrest will likely cause your muscles to loose tone and make some of your joints ache. Changing from side to side will help stimulate your muscles and relieve pressure. Your blood circulation will also be poor and if your doctor agrees, mild exercise would ensure better circulation. Turning your feet and arms in circles, pressing your hands and feet against the bed, tensing or tightening your arms and leg muscles and massages can help relieve some discomfort. If your doctor allows, a nice bath may do the trick as well.

You should ask your doctor if you have any questions about what exactly bedrest means. Some women can do light activities, while others can not. Some activities that many women question are: cooking, light chores, walking, bathing, driving, exercise and sexual intercourse. It is very important that you not overdo your activities.

There are many support groups that you can be involved in even when you are on bedrest. If you belong to a church, see if they can arrange for a weekly prayer and communion visit. Take advantage of the many internet sites that offer support and advice for other women who are also on bedrest. If you are in the hospital, ask your nurse if there are any programs set up for women to gather and share their feelings and friendship with one another.

Comments: Bedrest

Comments 51 to 74 of about 199.
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RuthGrounded - 216 days ago.
lilmiracle2009 - I am struggling with the same issue. I agree shopping online is not the same. I've been told that 34 - 37 weeks are a 'safer point'. Perhaps at that point, your dr would be ok with you going to a store for a little while? I am on modified bed rest (depending which dr you ask) and am planning to use my one night a week out to go to Babues r us and use the electronic scooter to get around the store. As far as getting the nursuey ready, that is killing me. I figure that they baby will be in a bassinett when he/she first comes home and hopefully I can do some things then or once I hit 34 weeks and am at a safer point. Let me know if you find any clever ways to prepare!

lilmiracle2009 - 217 days ago.
Good Morning Ladies, I have a quick question. How are you preparing for the arrival of your baby(ies) while on bedrest? Before I was put on bedrest, I was so excited to prepare for my 'little bean' and couldn't wait to start shopping. Now, I cannot do what I want to do. I have been looking at baby stuff online, but it's not the same as being able to go into a store and physical look and touch the items. Also, not being able to do the nursery now really bothers me. Once I got past 28 weeks, I was going to start preparing the nursery. Now I am going to have to wait until the baby is born. I could have my family do it for me, but I don't want to miss out on this important preparation.

RuthGrounded - 217 days ago.
Thank goodness we have loving family members to help and support us. I know I could not have gotten this far with out them either. I can't wait until I can have a party or something to thank them all...and actually vacum my own house! Hope you all had a good weekend. It is the start of another week...another blessed week for our babies to keep growing.

monstamama - 217 days ago.
goddess- they will most likely let you off bedrest around 34 weeks but if your docs are really strict they will wait until 36-37 weeks when baby is full term. And if you are anything like the ladies here right now you will make it close to your due date.

goddess27 - 217 days ago.
well at least some of us will get some activity soon. I am on complete bed rest until I deliver. so ladies when you hit that 32 week mark have some fun for me too even if it's taking a walk. funny how I miss small things like taking a walk :-( sorry I'm just having a little pitty party for my self. I miss the fresh air. I can't even shop any more. my husband loves that! as we speak he is at Ross now trying to find me maternity shirts since my belly is starting to get big now. he hates shopping with me. says I stay in the store too long

lilmiracle2009 - 218 days ago.
Hello Ladies! I am 21w 4d pregnant and I gave been on bed rest for 5 weeks now and will have to stay that way until I deliver. My due date is Aug. 26th. I was put on bedrest because of two complications. I have an incompetent cervix which caused me to lose a baby girl two years ago at the gestational age of 20 weeks. I also found out that I have a low-lying placenta in this pregnancy. I had a cerclage put in at 14 weeks, but my doctor is concerned about the low placenta since I have been bleeding for a while and I started cramping 5 weeks ago. She put me on complete bedrest. I can get up to use the washroom and that's about it. It is very hard since I have a 6 year old daughter whose life I cannot actively participate in right now. I have missed several activities that she has been a part of and I am going to miss more important activities (like her ballet recital) between now and the time this baby (a baby girl we've been told) is born. I do have support though, so it makes it a little easier. My wonderful husband and my mother-in-law have been absolutely amazing. My mother-in-law treats me like her own daughter which is wonderful. Even though it is very tough being on bedrest (especially complete bedrest), I know I have a little miracle to look forward to at the end. It is all worth it.

RuthGrounded - 218 days ago.
jmarie - Not much longer for you to go! We are sorta on the same path. I too am hoping to get a little relief around 32 - 34 weeks. What I find interesting is that I have seen a lot of dr's in the last several months and some are in favor of bedrest while others don't really believe in it. Anyway, I will stay put for now :). Congrats on your 30 week milestone! I can relate to your excitement.

jmarie - 218 days ago.
Just past the 10 week mark here... the Doc's said that around 32 weeks they'll throw in a lil activity so I am hoping! It would be nice to see the outdoors again for other than doc's apts! lol so that would make a total of 12 weeks in bed if they let me off then. wow! it seemed like a life sentence when they gave it to me, and now i cant believe its been 10 weeks already, and only 10 more weeks of pregnancy left. Good luck to all you ladies on bed rest! its tough, but I think us bed rest ladies are tough too!

RuthGrounded - 218 days ago.
Why is it that Saturdays seem harder to me on bedrest? I gues b/c everyone is not working and out and about...ughhh. Sorry, I'm having a brief pitty party...it will pass...in about 12 weeks LOL.

RuthGrounded - 219 days ago.
babyetienne, I'm flattered to be an inspiration! I found many women on this site to be mine for exmaple, joshswife, wow, you are a strong woman. I wish you all the best with this pregnancy. I also hope you are able to enjoy some time with your husband and 15 month old. I can't imagine being in this situation with a little one. This is my first. Great to hear from you all...keep in touch!

joshs wife - 219 days ago.
I know bedrest is worth it in the end but OMG its so hard.I feel like Im missing everything in my 15 month olds life.They sent my husband home from Afganistan because of it and I missed him so much and cant even really enjoy him finaly being home after 9 months.I was on bedrest with my 15mth old from week 12 til 38 qand this one i got put on at 13 til they said they would induce me at 38 weeks if I make it that far.Its so hard so I feel exactly how you ladies feel and its comforting to know Im not the only one.

babyetienne - 219 days ago.
ruthgrounded- Wow!you made it till 28 weeks you are now my inspiration!LOL im on my 1st week on bedrest im becoming so cranky and sensitive but its ok coz when i read that im not the only pregnant women on bedrest i dont feel that bad no more!any advice on being on bedrest?girl 7 weeks!u are awesome!i've been having backaches and leg cramps already argh!

RuthGrounded - 219 days ago.
Great you made it 31 weeks before being put on bed rest. I found the first couple weeks were the hardest. Once I accepted the fact that this was simply something I had to do, it became easier - still stinks but it is temporary. I have been on bedrest for 7 weeks now and am 28 weeks. DD 7/9. Hang in there.

MCollinsRN - 219 days ago.
Ruthgrounded-- I am 31 weeks today...

RuthGrounded - 219 days ago.
Hard to say. How far along are you? No cervical change is a good thing. I've heard that sometimes you get let off at 36 weeks but I imagine that differs depending on your situation.

MCollinsRN - 219 days ago.
Oh yeah, I have NO cervical changes yet, do you think there's a chance in hell I will be taken off? I am still contracting (about 4-6 an hour) and my back still hurts.....hmmmmm

MCollinsRN - 219 days ago.
Last Wednesday I felt like I was going to start my period. This passt Tuesday (yes, I waited almost a whole week), I was up all night crying in pain (back and uterine) and finally went to triage the next morning. Come to find out I am in preterm labor and was admitted until they could decrease my contractions. I am on medication and modified bedrest (yeah, whatever)-I follow up with the doc on Monday. Financially, I cannot be on bedrest. I don't know what to do! Any advice??

RuthGrounded - 219 days ago.
babyetienne, sparcels - welcome. I am relatively new to this forum as well. Sorry to hear you are on bedrest. It is tough but doable! babyetinne, I have not heard of the medication you are taking but know from reading 'what to expect when expecting' that nosebleeds are a common pregnancy symptom. If you are freaked out, you could call your dr ot pharmascist and ask if it is a side effect or another lovely part of being preggo. I too am on bedrest for preterm labor at 21 weeks. I am now 28 weeks and trying not to count the days. Reading and sharing stories with other women on this site has helped emmensely. Hang in there....you are not alone.

babyetienne - 221 days ago.
good day mommies! i am currently on bedrest because of mild bleeding and cramping(preterm labor) i am taking isoxsilan/duvadilan 3 times a day,and then awhile ago i had a nose bleed!blood dripping from my nose that realy made me freak out!i had nose bleed during my first rimester but just a little nose bleed not like what happened awhile ago, does the medicine has a role on this nose bleeds?anyone of you taking duvadilan too?or is it because im just pregnant and it one of the ffects of pregnancy?i've read that duvadilan are also blood vessel widener. help me ladies! i need your support and advice please!:(

sparcels - 222 days ago.
Hello all I was so thrilled to find a forum for others who are experiencing the same 'pain' as I am. I've only been on bed rest for 2 going on 3 weeks and it can be difficult at times.. but so worth it in the end!

Joshs wife - 223 days ago.
UHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.....Im so tired of BEDREST.

Mommyof2Kidos - 229 days ago.
3girls-It's good to hear that you are staying positive. I had to stay in the hospital with my last baby for over a month. It can be very challenging at times, but you know what you're ultimate goal is so just stay focused on that. I wish you the best!

3girlsunderage2 - 229 days ago.
I'm on hospital bed rest until I deliver. I'm 24wks, 3 days with twin girls. My husband and I have a 13 month old daughter, born at 28 weeks. I've been here for a week now. It's hard but I know that this is what's best for the babies. My husband brought the pack n play up to the hospital so that our daughter can be with me for several hours everday. It makes bed rest tolerable having my husband and baby here. BTW, the net is restricted at the hospital and I can't access my profile so if anyone wants to e-mail me, please feel free. I'm not doing anything for months!! Ladies, keep yourhead up. This is what's best for your babies and its only temporary!!mary.antoinette@wowway.com

Mommyof2Kidos - 231 days ago.
Ruth- Any time! That's what we're all here for!

RuthGrounded - 232 days ago.
Thanks for your welcoming responses! Your positivity is so encouraging. I know it won't be easy but your're right, look how far I've come. I wish all the best to you too. We can do it! Chat with you all soon...