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 126 to 149 of about 199.
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crisal - 305 days ago.
Hello. My name is Cristina and I was on bed rest due to an 'irritable uterus' and preterm labor for four months with my son (now 6 years old) and am now 19 weeks pregnant with my second child and facing the possibility of bed rest again (so far I'm 'just' taking it easy and am on weekly progesterone injections and lots of fluids, but still having daily contractions and having my cervix measured every other week...). I also work as a professor at University of Kentucky, in the Gender and Women’s Studies Program. On both a personal and professional level, I have found very little published information on women’s experiences of pregnancy bed rest. There’s very little out there on how women feel and cope with experiences of bed rest during pregnancy. Because of this, I have designed a survey on women's experiences of bed rest during pregnancy and would like to ask for your help in inviting those on bed rest to fill out the confidential survey. I hope to use the results to present papers and write an article (perhaps while I am on bed rest!) to get more info on women's experience of bed rest out there. The survey will take between 30 minutes and 1 hour to complete. It is voluntary and confidential. If you are between the ages of 18 and 50 and are currently on bed rest for at least one week, or have been on pregnancy bed rest for at least one week in the last five years, I would like to invite you to participate in this study by completing the survey. The survey can be completed online or can be sent to you as an email attachment for you to return as an email attachment. If you are interested in participating, or have any questions or concerns about this, please contact me at crisalcalde@hotmail.com The survey is also available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=KVtfsdiXfVJxF3NDkGd_2bGw_3d_3d THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR CONSIDERING PARTICIPATING AND BEST OF LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY. MY NEXT EMAILS WILL NOT BE ABOUT THIS SURVEY...

Cadens mommy - 307 days ago.
Hi ladies..... When I was on bedrest I of course used the laptop but I also scrapbooked several different albums of old pictures.... it would make the day fly by, hope this helps God Bless all you ladies and your babies :):):):)

bsmom - 309 days ago.
To answer your question....I was on bedrest with my first and also with this pregnancy. I did not have my shower until after the birth or you can schedule for after 36 weeks. My Dr. released all restrictions at 36 weeks. We did not do professional photos during the pregnancy...sorry. As for registering..I was allowed to go out as long as my husband dropped me off at the door and I went in one of those auto carts or used a wheel chair. Most places now a days have some sort of wheel chair. I hope this helps.

kingsmommii - 312 days ago.
I have a question for you ladies...since you were on bedrest what did u do about your baby shower...or professional belly pics...or registering..i want to register online but i would rather see the stuff in person before someone buys it and i not like it..

bsmom - 313 days ago.
Meant to be~ Yes I will be on bedrest the remainder of the pregnancy. I had a cerclage placed at 16 weeks due to the cervix thining. Now I am contracting, so they are to worried to let me up and work. I am hoping later I can have the strict part of bedrest lifted so that I can work on some of my hobbies at a table.

meant to be - 314 days ago.
Jazz~ Sorry no ideas...But if you're 37 weeks and full term, why are you still on bedrest. Your baby should be ready to be born?

mommy-jazz15 - 314 days ago.
ive been put on bedrest becuz i went into labor for the third time on the 2nd. i am sooo bored! i have a laptop and wireless internet, so it makes it less boring. but does anyone have any fun things they can suggest l0l

meant to be - 314 days ago.
Yes this is my first. Will you have to be on bedrest for the whole preganacy?

bsmom - 314 days ago.
I am doing ok right now. This is just going to be such a long journey. I was at the hospital yesterday. When I was at the doctor, they checked for amnio fluid because I had some discharge and the test was positive. I was really scared. I was sent to the hospital for a more accurate test and it came back negative. That was a relief. This is my second pregnancy. I have a 3 year old little girl. Is this your first?

meant to be - 314 days ago.
Hi! Iwas put on bedrest last week as well due to a funneling and shortening cervix. I'm 25 weeks 3 days...How are you doing?

bsmom - 314 days ago.
Meant to be...I am on bedrest. I was put on last week. I am 26 weeks.

meant to be - 314 days ago.
Anyone out there on bedrest????????????

MommyJewels - 334 days ago.
HI ladies. I have a 7 month old now and I haven't been on here in awhile. I was in bed almost my entire pregnancy and it felt like it was lasting forever. I spent a lot of time online. I revamped my blog and if you girls need soemthing to do...it is http:.//blondeinablog.blogspot.com I also put a link on there so you can follow it. I remember readinga lot of mom blogs throughout my pregnancy and it kept me sane!

tylersmommy2 - 340 days ago.
Has anyone been on bedrest due to back issues such as herniated/bulging disc?

Cadens mommy - 341 days ago.
HEY LADIES, I WAS ALSO PUT ON STRICT BEDREST FOR 11 WEEKS. MY DOC DID NOT THINK I WOULD MAKE IT TO 30 WEEKS, BUT WITH BEDREST I MADE IT TO 38 WEEKS. MY BABY CADEN IS NOW 13 MONTHS OLD AND DOING VERY GOOD. HE IS THE LIGHT OF OUR LIVES. IF ANYONE HAS ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT ME.... HANG IN THERE LADIES, I KNOW ITS HARD BUT YOU CAN DO IT FOR YOUR BABIES. GODBLESS EVERYONE

shellyseamonkey - 341 days ago.
i just was put on bedres today because im having triplets there trying to prevent this so my cervix doesnt dialate whatsoever i dunno how you ladies do it when i came home i ut a load of laundry up ad im not even suppost to do that i have a 10 month old son :( im so sad.. my parents arent able to take ca of my son and my hubby works over night ..

smc - 356 days ago.
Congrats Melissa! Thanks for sharing it reminds us all there is a light at the end of the tunnel and eventually you get there. Wishing you a wonderful delivery and a joyous first day together.

sdonbedrest - 356 days ago.
kaysmom05- In the beginning of bedrest I was having a hard time gaining, but it is getting a little better now. I have gained 11 lbs at 28 weeks, but doc still says I need to gain more. My baby is on track though. I also think it is loss of muscle tone. I eat all day long, every hour minimum, and I have noticed that I gain more eating protein than I do from sugar. I have tried loads of both and protein is better(I have always eaten mass amounts of carbs too). I drink a min of 3 glasses of whole milk a day and also eat high fat foods like granola, muffins, fettucini alfredo. I try to get 100 grams of protein a day, but I don't eat meat so usually I only get 75. I think as long as the baby is on track that is pretty good, but I want to gain more. I want to have reserves for after the baby comes so I have energy to breast feed and get up at night. I go to this site every day. I was on track pre-bedrest, but now I am 6 lbs behind minimum. YOu enter your height/weight and it tells you where you should be http://www.indiacurry.com/women/pregcalc.htm

KayandRysMoM - 357 days ago.
Congrats melissa! Wishing you luck on a healthy happy delivery and baby boy! I can't wait til im full term in 5 weeks!

melissao - 357 days ago.
Well ladies the Time has come Baby will be Here Friday by C-Section YAY 38wks with Incomp Cervix keep up the positive thoughts ladies Stay on Bedrest without any doubt no matter what comes ur way stay on track. Thishas been such a hard pregnancy but worth it started out bedrest around week 12 or 13 Till just last week 37! 5 weeks Spent in The hossy due to Pre-term labor Cerclage Removed at 32wks because of pre-term labor then it stopped started having sugar problems they went away with diet. then HIGH BP that finally resolved itself and over this last weekend I ended up with Bells Palsy but its all worth it! Now i get to have my Son this Friday Dec 5th!!!!! Good Luck and Don't give up on the bedrest it works!!!!!!!!!!

KayandRysMoM - 357 days ago.
Thanks ell! I will be 32 weeks in a few days and at my 31 week apt I had gained a pound. I hadn't gained anything for weeks before that so maybe this is the time we will really gain! Luckily I've been living w my parents while on bedrest since my dh works 2 jobs and is hardly home. My father works from home so I always have someone I just feel like after 11 weeks they are ready to go back to normal life haha. I don't think anyone quite understands how much bedrest sucks until you are on it...I would much rather be working!

elliel - 357 days ago.
Kaysmom - I am the same...but my dr isn't worried as the baby is well on target for everything. I think it must be the fat replacing muscle....also it's much trickier to snack unless I remind my hubby to leave loads of stuff out for me! I think as our drs aren't worried - then you shouldn't be ! I remember seeing quite a few other bedrest ladies saying they were experiencing the same. Having said all that I have noticed in the last few weeks that I seem to be putting on a bit more weight (I'm 31 weeks now)

KayandRysMoM - 357 days ago.
Have any of you ladies had trouble gaining weight while on bedrest? I gained 6lbs by 21 weeks but then lost it all after my hospital stay and stress from worry. I have only gained 5lbs back. The baby is close to 4lbs now and I look like I've gained more. I eat as much as I can...my appetite doesn't increase much w pregnancy. I gained about 25 with my 1st. The drs don't seem concerned bc baby is right on track with size. Could it be that I've gained pregnancy weight but lost muscle weight so it seems like im not gaining? Any advice and suggestions on how to gain is appreciate!

sdonbedrest - 358 days ago.
Supermom- It sounds like you have restless leg syndrome, you can read about it here http://www.babycenter.com/0_sleep-problem-restless-legs-syndrome_7549.bc You may be iron deficient and need to take a supplement. Has the doc checked you for that? I don't have this, but was getting leg cramps and I added a calcium supplement in addition to my prenatals and it went away. I also do exercise every day, like ankle rolls with 1.5 lb weights, very small (like 2 in) side leg lifts, and arm exercises with small weights (while laying on my side). This has kept me sane during my 8 weeks of bedrest and kept most of my muscle tone up.

KayandRysMoM - 358 days ago.
Supermom- I've been on bedrest for almost 11 weeks...it gets easier as the time goes on! Its hard bc I've missed my 3 and a half yr old dd gymnastics but she says her little sis is worth it! I don't remeber having problems w my legs but I can relate to the racing heart. I still get it from time to time but I haven't found much helps except drinking some water and laying on my side...it could be all of the pressure of the baby laying on your back depending on how far along you are. It could also be our bodies adjusting as I've lost all of my muscle! What puts u on bedrest?