Bed Rest

If you're having multiples, your pregnancy may be termed high risk and will require close monitoring by your doctor. Bed rest might also be recommended if you've had previous pregnancies that ended in miscarriage, stillbirth, or a premature birth.

How Does Bed Rest Help? Women with pregnancy conditions related to high blood pressure may be placed on bed rest to decrease stress, both physical and emotional, with the hope of lowering their blood pressure. Vaginal bleeding can be aggravated by activity, lifting, or exercise, so bed rest may also be used to reduce bleeding. Women experiencing premature labor and contractions may also be restricted, because activity and stress can also aggravate these conditions.

During Your Bed Rest

Whatever kind of bed rest your doctor recommends, if it's long-term, you'll need to remember to exercise your legs to keep the blood circulating and prevent clots. Ask your doctor:

• Can I get up to use the bathroom?

• Can I get up to prepare quick meals or to do light chores?

• Can I take a bath or shower?

• What position should I be in while I'm resting?

• Can I go to work or work from home?

• Is driving OK?

• How much walking is safe?

• How much and what kind of sexual activity is OK?

• What activities can I do to increase blood circulation safely?

After the baby arrives, you'll be too busy to think about catching up on correspondence or reading your favorite author's latest novel. Try these time passers:

• choose a doctor for your child, find quality child care, or write up a birth plan (if you haven't already done these things)

• start a journal chronicling your pregnancy - and your bed rest

• start a family tree that you can share with your child someday

• firm up your baby-name choices; use books and websites for ideas

• organize photo albums

• read anything - newspapers, magazines, classic novels, the latest bestsellers, compilations of fiction or poetry; you could even revisit some of your favorite childhood stories or try out some books from the library for your little one

• watch rented videos/DVDs or taped TV shows

• answer letters or correspondence

• write thank-you cards if you've already had a baby shower; if not, start addressing the envelopes to people (friends and family) whom you know will probably give gifts

• build an email and phone list of people to call when the baby comes, if you haven't already done so

• start a calendar of important dates to remember (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)

• contact your job about your maternity-leave benefits

• fill out health insurance paperwork for your baby in advance

• designate a guardian for your child and have your lawyer draft a new will

Tips to maintain your health and your peace of mind:

• Obtain information: Knowledge will help you feel more in control. Find out exactly which activities are allowed and which are not.

• Organize your environment: Items to keep nearby include: telephone and telephone book; tissues; TV and VCR with remote controls; laptop computer; cooler or mini-refrigerator for beverages, snacks, and lunch; books on tape; magazines and catalogues; notebook and pen for questions and to-do lists; and a cassette/CD player.

• Maintain a routine: A schedule will also help you feel more in control. Keep regular times for visits, naps, and activities.

• Pamper yourself: Use body lotion; have a manicure; arrange for your hairdresser to come to your bedside; get a massage (check with your healthcare provider first); purchase pretty pajamas; and wear makeup if you usually do.

• Stay connected: Keeping in touch with others will help you from feeling isolated. Invite friends over who are good listeners and who can bring their own food; write letters; e-mail; write in a journal; and reach out to other moms on bed rest either via telephone or the Internet.

• Ask for help: You will need the support of your family and friends to get through this difficult time.

• Use delivery services: Many supermarkets, drugstores, and dry cleaners will deliver items. Take advantage of these services.

• Practical Items: The following items will make your life on bed rest somewhat easier: a large wastebasket; wet wipes; cups with lids and flexible straws; an ironing board for a bedside table; a mini-refrigerator; a bathtub chair if you are allowed to shower; an egg-crate mattress; and a mechanical "arm" to reach far away items.

• Reach out to your mate: This is a stressful time for both of you. Partners now have two jobs: maintaining their jobs and taking care of you. Give them a daily hug and a pat on the back; encourage them to take an occasional vacation day from work to ease the stress; spend some daily time alone with your partner; and be creative about bedside romance, (e.g., candlelight dinners, a gentle massage or a picnic dinner).

• Taking care of the children: Most important, reassure your children that you will not be on bed rest forever. Get a large calendar and have them help you mark off each day with an "X."

• Explore medical coverage: The company's maternity-leave or disability-leave program may cover part or all of your salary while you are on bed rest. Contact your insurance company.

• Keep fit: With your healthcare provider's approval, do some exercises in bed, such as leg lifts, calf stretches, and upper body exercises with light weights.