You may be advised by your doctor to take bed rest for a few days, weeks or even months for your health. This may sound really nice to you. Someone will take care of the daily chores for you and you can lie in bed and dream all day long. But then you will come back to real life and the difficulties will begin. You won’t be able to go to work (you might even like it), go shopping or meet your friends. If you are on strict bed rest, you will not even be able to eat or shower while sitting up. Your doctor knows how difficult this is but recommends it because there is no other option. It is best to focus on what you are doing and think about what is best for you and your baby.
When bed rest is recommended
Most pregnant women can do normal activities during pregnancy. Restrictions may be needed if there is premature birth or other problems. Your doctor may recommend bed rest in some situations during your pregnancy. These situations are;
– If you have high blood pressure
– Problems with the placenta, i.e. the partner, or if you have bleeding
– If there is cervical insufficiency, that is, if the cervix is prone to premature opening
– If there are contractions or other signs of preterm labor
– Twin or more multiple pregnancies
What Does Bed Rest Mean
Sometimes you only need to reduce your activities for a certain period of time. You can walk around your home without heavy housework and lifting. Depending on the type of work you do, you may even be able to continue working. In other cases, however, the situation can be more serious. You will only be allowed to use the toilet and bath, and at other times you will be asked to stay in bed in a sitting or lying position. You are not allowed to go to work or do even light housework until after your baby is born. If you are on complete bed rest, you will need to lie down even when eating. You will use wet pads for personal hygiene and a toilet with a bedpan. Bed rest is usually done at home. It rarely requires hospitalization.
What is the Benefit
Bed rest is not a proven treatment for preterm labor and other problems in pregnancy. However, it is a very accepted attitude. What is known is that it reduces the pressure on the cervix, which helps to stop premature contractions and prevent bleeding if there is bleeding. It also increases blood flow to the placenta and helps your baby grow.
Is There Any Harm
It is common to have muscle and joint pain during bed rest. When you stand up, you may feel dizzy, weak and short of breath. Prolonged bed rest also increases the risk of blood clots, especially in the veins in the legs. You may feel restricted and isolated. Your mood may change. You may feel guilty, depressed and depressed. Your partner may also experience the same. If you have other children, caring for them will also be a problem. In your working life, if your work depends on you, there may be a decrease in your income. All this is a source of distress for you. But remember that you can gradually return to all your activities after the birth.
What You Need to Know
No two pregnancies are alike. Even in the same woman, each pregnancy will be different. Bed rest will also be different. If your doctor has recommended bed rest, you will need to ask some questions so that you know exactly what the rules are. Find out why it is necessary. Ask if you have any other options. How long do you need to be in bed When will it start and when will it end Will the restrictions be lifted when the symptoms subside How should your lying position be Can you sit up How long can you walk around the house Can you climb stairs Can you eat at the table Is it OK to eat at the table Can you work on your computer Can you do the dishes, Can you do laundry Can you drive a car Can you take care of your children Can you do light exercise Can you have sexual intercourse with your partner Can oral sex be a problem Can you go to the toilet Can you take a shower, wash your hair How to take a shower, wash your hair Find out the answers to all these questions and do your bed rest accordingly.
Try to Do Your Best
Bed rest is hard, but it is not something that cannot be done. Every day you can feel that you are getting a little closer to your birth. In the meantime, pay attention to some things that will make it easier for you. Stay organized. Keep things you will need within easy reach, such as your phone, tissues, remote control, books, magazines, pens, pencils, paper, pillows, water, food. Make a daily schedule. Change your clothes for clean ones in the morning. Talk to your spouse periodically. Call your workplace. Spend time with your children. Read the newspapers and watch your favorite programs on TV. Do light exercises authorized by your doctor. Don’t let yourself get bored. Write e-mails or regular letters to your friends. Organize the photos in your album. Read your favorite books again. Knit something for your baby to wear. Learn relaxation exercises for labor. Prepare a weekly food list and shopping list.
Try to adjust income and expenditure in your budget. Shop for your baby online or choose from catalogs. If friends and loved ones offer to help, arrange chores that they can do. It could be grocery shopping, bringing books or movies, cleaning the bathroom, taking the children to the park or even just sitting by your side and keeping company. It will also be unpleasant for your other children if your routine changes. Explain to them why you need to be in bed. Tell them that it is necessary for their sibling to be born healthy. Continue to do things you can do together. For example, read a book, draw, watch a movie. Also have a loved one help them to come home from school. They can also visit their grandparents on weekends. Some days will be better than others. Try to keep yourself positive. Connect with other mothers on bed rest. If bed rest causes you financial hardship, try to find solutions accordingly.
Share your feelings and thoughts with your partner. Show him/her that you need him/her. If sexual intercourse is forbidden, hug and kiss each other. If bed rest is really too much for you to cope with, talk to your doctor again and ask for help. But remember that the days of holding your baby in your arms are not far away.