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 101 to 124 of about 199.
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monstamama - 258 days ago.
The prospect of being on bed rest may seem like its all nice and relaxing but trust me it is not something you want!!!! First of all...many women don't have anyone to help them which makes being o bed rest difficult and almost impossible if taking care of an older child. Second, after spending all your time in bed you eventually develop insomnia and cannot sleep. Every time you get out of bed or go to the bathroom you are scared to death your water will break or you'll go into labor when your baby is still too little to survive. Not to mention you miss out on all those things that are so important..like setting up the baby's nursery, having a baby shower, going out to dinner, sitting at the freakin' table to have dinner instead of in bed!!!!! Do I need to go on? Wish for a vacation, wish for your family to take a hike, wish for anything BUT a doctor telling you to stay in bed for you and your child's survival! Sorry, but I'm still on bed rest and it SUCKS!

twins!! - 259 days ago.
well here i am now on bedrest as of friday. Here i thought everything was fine and suddenly after going for a routine test they tell me i need to stay in bed xcept to use the restroom and shower... oh wow im going to go nuts arent i? lol well if this is what my babies need then this is what i'll do

jenakatessa - 264 days ago.
i wish i was on bed rest...at least someone would be there for me....my boyfriend is annoying and pisses me off..lately he seems to only ever help with laundry and stuff like that if i ask a million times. He sits around and plays video games, ...the house is loud, and i dont get the rest i need. Im going to punch someone out. LOL.....so of course i wish my baby healthy....but i wish i could just ask to go on bed rest and they would let me go....and just stay there...cuz im going literally nuts in this house with ....oh let me count....my boyfriend, his mom, her fiancee, His moms 2 year old, his moms fiancees 13 year old daughter, his moms 18 year old crazy ...loud and RUDE daughter, her boyfriend, Mel, and MIKEE (20 & 25) AHHHHHHHHHHHH HELLLLLLLPPPPPP I WANT RESSSSTTTTTT

Joshs wife - 264 days ago.
well hell ladies.I just found out I might have to be on full bed rest for the rest of my pregnancy and Im only 13 weeks.I just found out I have a small placental abruption so in order to keep my baby alive and maybe myself i have to remain in bed.My husband is deployed in Afganistan and we have a 14 mth old with no help.OMG.I really hope they send him home.I was on bedrest too with my son since i always have preterm labor.Best rest truely sux but honestly truely works and when that beautiful baby comes out you forget all about it.

meant to be - 264 days ago.
Comple~ LOL...tell me about it...

completnme - 266 days ago.
I need a cigerette-sex-and tall wine glass filled with hennesy-nope don't smoke-im not horny at all- and I havnt had hennessy since my weddin' 6 months ago,but I sure am tired of being on bed-prison and I want to break some dam* rules lord I'm losin' my sanity.

monstamama - 269 days ago.
I am happy to say the perinatologist has given me permission to go back to my regular ob/gyn after 34 weeks! Which will mean I am off bed rest and a normal prego woman for the last few weeks! I am 31 weeks 3 days. So only 19 more days to go!!! For those of you on bed rest- hang in there! I know it is hard but it will be so worth the wait to hold your healthy baby in your arms!!!!

meant to be - 269 days ago.
Shelly~ I'm glad to hear that things are stable. You can do it mama. You've done an amazing job cooking triplets for this long with little complications! Keep baking those babies and everything else will work out. I'll be thinking of you guys!

shellyseamonkey - 269 days ago.
well its happend, im on hospital bedrest i have made it so amazed with the doctors with my pregnancy, because im having triplets my cervix has not changed its very long and thick but i never dialated with my son last time ive not listend to them since i was suppost to be put on bedrest at 22 weeks i have a 1 year old and laundry to do lol and a husband to take care of how could i of possibly been on bedrest but i went for my doctors appointment on monday and my blood pressure was 176/85 so they said to go to the hospital and i did, and i was told i might have to be in here until im 35 weeks pregnant and i was crying so bad because i was thinking who's gonna watch my son ive never been away from him more then a day and a half and i miss my own bed my husband etc. but then my highrisk doctor was like noo i dont know why they told you that you should of had them call me it just got my blood pressure up higher lol and he said 34 weeks im 33 and 2 days pregnant woopie! soooooooooooooooooooooo this hospital thing is for the birds lol but ive been doing okay.. my 3rd day in here at around 3 pm so we will see how it goes ***BORING*** but atleast i have the labtop !

Mommyof2Kidos - 277 days ago.
Lovebelly- I can understand where you're coming from. I have been on bedrest for almost 4mths. I am a very independent person, but when your on bedrest you need a lot of help to get things done. This is my 2nd pregnancy on bedrest. My last pregnancy I didn't follow my Dr's orders and I ended up in the hospital for 4wks until I had my son. It was no fun at all. So try to stay positive, but understand that you will have some good days and some bad ones. It's all for the best health for you and your baby. I wish you the best!

lovebelly - 281 days ago.
Hi All prego mommies on bedrest! I was just diagnosed with IUGR yesterday at the ripe week of 32. I am on strict bedrest on my left side. I am finding I can't do it! I am trying so hard but it is bad enough I am seriously ADD and obviously have not been on my meds throughout this pregnancy. I have always been one to just run around crazy accomplishing absolutely nothing! I returned from my babymoon in Mexico on Thursday and planned to get started on nursery and preparation, etc. Prior to this 'diagnosis' my doc expected me to have this baby at about 36 weeks due to my last pregnancy, along with my physical size and cervix. That is 4 weeks away, now I am hoping to just make it as long as possible. I have literally done NOTHING! My husband could not be more wonderful about everything and so helpful, but I have literally been researching cribs, bassinets, swings, carriers, strollers, etc for the past 24 hours! I am so indecisive on EVERYTHING and cannot make a decision without seeing and touching these things. We had big plans for tonight and actually gave it all away for my doctor to use with his wife this evening. OMG, I am so depressed! This is nothing compared to the grand scheme of things, I am just really overwhelmed right now! Calgon, take me back to Mexico!!!!!!! Encouragement GREATLY needed!

KatieB - 282 days ago.
Hello Everyone~ Well this is my 2nd day on bedrest. I will be here for two weeks then head back to a new dr for another check up. On Wednesday I started bleeding a lot...I am only 17 weeks. An u/s showed a blood clot on the placenta. My dr didn't have a reason this happens but said she has seen it before. On the 24th I go to a specialist. I'm hoping by two weeks the clot will be gone and I can have a 'normal' pregnancy, but if it dosen't I'm in bed for the rest of my 5 months. Everyone has been great to help my husband and I but I reallllly hope this only lasts two weeks!

amy79 - 289 days ago.
got a doc appt today, first one since being on bedrest. I'm praying for good news!

meant to be - 289 days ago.
Welcome McGill! Sorry its under these conditions though...Bedrest is very hard but it does work! Tell yourself that you have great docs that are concerned for you and your baby enough to order you the right treatment! There are alot of us on here with less than perfect pregnancies...we'll make it! Keep us posted on your progress. Take care

McGill31 - 290 days ago.
Hello everyone, I just wanted to share my story, I took a 24 hour urine test on monday took it back tuesday and got put into the hospital for a high level of protien. I stayed for 3 days, got to come home, but on bed rest for now. I have to see my OB 3 times a week now for NST because babies heart rate drops sometimes.I am worried since this is my first baby and I hope we both will be fine. I hope everyone is doing good.

kingsmommii - 290 days ago.
all of those are the normal symptoms...u just have to get used to it

amy79 - 291 days ago.
the pill makes me jittery too! I'm also getting headaches and my heartbeat is really fast.

kingsmommii - 291 days ago.
AMy-I have been taking terb pills since my cerclage was placed at 21.6 and im now 28.4...the shot sucks...makes me all jittery..im glad i only had to experience it once!!! I can tolerate the pills with no symptoms...

Kennedysmommie - 292 days ago.
Amy- I was on terb last pregnancy from about 23 wks on. The pills are better thant he shot..The shot makes me feel liek a junky!!!..I have my figners crossed that I dont have to get on it this preg..Im 15 wks and nervous as the 20 wk mark is getting closer

amy79 - 292 days ago.
Saturday I went into preterm labor. I'm 23 weeks. Now I'm home on modified bed rest. It stinks. But my husband's been really great about it. Is anyone else on terbutaline?

shelbysmom2009 - 295 days ago.
Thanks guys for all the encouraging comments. I took a short car ride today to our new house, which I might add is less than 3 miles away lol. It was really nice to get outside. It was beautiful outside today. My DH has been so supportive and he thought it wouldnt hurt to take the ride just not get out and walk..So that I did. I layed down most of the day, and sat on the couch. I try and keep myself occupied with word searches, internet, and TV's. Today was a much better day. Although it is still hard I know its whats best for Shelby! Feeling her move makes me so much happier. Shes always such an active little girl hehe. I know being upset and nervous isnt good for Shelby but you know what? Sometimes I just need a good CRY haha. I am so nervous about that test next Friday. I have been going to a high risk DR since the beginning because we did fertility and I had to have surgery to get pregnant. We had lost twins before, so we are extra paranoid about Shelby. When we talked to my DR she said no matter what Shelby would survive even if born sometime soon. We have really the best DR's and Childrens hospitals in AR, but thats not what im worried about. I'm worried about neurological damage and etc. I just need prayers and good friends and family! Please pray for us!!

monstamama - 295 days ago.
I have been on bed rest for a week now. I went to the grocery store this morning with my husband and was winded as soon as I hit the door! Crazy! I do understand though...you feel so horrible. It is lonely and boring and I cannot stand to think about how hard it will be to bounce back after two months on bed rest! The most important thing for me is to stay positive. I am on the forums on the internet a lot and talk/email my family. Another thing that helps the day go by is to have a schedule. It doesn't seem like a big deal...but it does amazing things on your psyche! I get up when my husband leaves for work around 7:30. Then I have bfast and watch a birth story on Disc. Health. Then TLC Bringing Home Baby. I read the newspaper and then do the crossword until about 10:30 then I have an orange or apple or yougart. Then I check my e-mail/myspace/forums. Then it's time for lunch. I watch whatever random on tv and take a shower about 1-1:30 because more baby shows come on TLC at 2..lol. Then I try to find a movie or read from 3-5. And then my husband is on his way home from work!! YAY! And he totally makes my day! Hope this helps..not hurts! Just stay positive and take it one day at a time. Oh, and the more the baby moves the better they are doing...don't be worried you are hurting him!

manda-may - 295 days ago.
Hi Shelby'smom I also had a shortened 'incompetent' cervix (I prefer 'challenged'! lol!) when I was pregnant which they found when I was 26 weeks pregnant. They sent me to the specialist doctors who decided not to put a stitch in, but said I had to 'take it easy' and stop work immediately. It wasn't quite bedrest but I still freaked out, especially when I looked in my pregnancy book to see what it meant. I later found out my mother also had a shortened cervix with her pregnancies and got them to term, and in the end i managed to get my twins to 34 weeks and 2 days before they decided they had had enough waiting around. I found I was pretty busy filling in forms and filing stuff, finding out about carseats, and all of that kind of thing... that and sleeping/resting or reading, and catching up on the soap operas or even hiring out a weeks worth of dvds on the cheap day, so didn't have much time to get bored. All I can do is say hang in there, and that the little munchkin (or munchkins in my case) are all worth it in the end. Good luck! :-)

juliaandcurt - 295 days ago.
Shelbymom- I know exactly how you feel. My cervix went from 3.3 to 2.2 in about two weeks when I was 21 weeks PG. It eventually gained length to 2.8. I was on strict bedrest- Only up for bathroom & 10 min shower. My Peri Dr. is very conservative. I am now 35 weeks and no longer require bedrest. It is hard but you have to try to put yourself in the right frame of mind. Don't try to fight it- instead find things to read, DVD, computer, friends to visit, etc. I was on bedrest until I reached 33 weeks. You might want to contact your Dr. in order to obtain info about specifics of your bed rest. Check out Incompetent Cervix site there are alot of women on there who are on bedrest at home and in the hospital. U CAN DO IT & think about your precious baby. Two ladies on the IC forum were on bedrest and just gave birth. Hang in there :0)

shelbysmom2009 - 295 days ago.
Uhh i hate this..i just found out today that i have a shorter cervix..its 2.8 and they dont really worry about it till 2.5 but now im on bed rest. another thing is that the DR never specified if i was on total or partial bed rest. im going crazy and its day 1. im so nervous about every movement i make scared im going to hurt (Shelby). This is really hard. I definitely need some encouragement.