Bed Rest During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a happy time for most women, but sometimes complications occur and bed rest becomes necessary. Your doctor will explain your medical condition and why bed rest is necessary, but some of these complications include:

• Threat of miscarriage
• Bleeding
• Premature labor
• High blood pressure
• Multiple pregnancy
• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure and swelling)
• Incompetent cervix (uterus opens too soon; threat of premature birth)

Some benefits of bed rest

• Your body uses fewer calories (allows more energy for baby’s use)
• Your body is less affected by  the pull of gravity (decreases pressure on cervix, or opening of uterus)
• Less pressure on your belly (lying on your left side is best to promote good blood flow to baby)

Bed rest also had some downsides, such as weakness of muscles due to lack of exercise, back and neck pain from staying in bed, and constipation. You can lessen these side effects by doing a safe bed exercise program. See your Woman’s Hospital therapist or doctor for details.

Bed rest during a high-risk pregnancy

Being confined to bed for a high-risk pregnancy can be a very difficult and stressful situation. However, you are not alone. Social workers, other hospital staff and support networks are available to help you through it.

Dealing with difficult emotions.

What might have started as an uneventful pregnancy has suddenly become a life and death situation for your baby and possibly for you. Some of the emotions you might experience include fear, frustration, irritation, anger, dismay, vulnerability, anxiety, sadness, and loneliness. Remember that there are no wrong emotions; rather, it is how you deal with them that will make the difference between a difficult situation and a full-blown crisis.

Coping with the situation.

Here are some recommendations that come from the experiences of other women who have survived the bed-rest experience, and from experienced Woman’s Hospital staff who have cared for these women.

Gather information about your condition and the condition of your baby.

For many, the first reaction is shock. You might not take in everything your doctor has said to you. This is normal, but it’s important to go back and get clarification of anything you’re unsure about, as well as clear instructions for what you can do and not do.

Don’t try to do it all. Get help!

If you have other children to care for, unfinished business at work or home, ask for help from family, friends, co-workers, or fellow church members. Do not feel guilty – remember that you are asking for help for your unborn child! Make a list ahead of time of things that people can do to help. If you need more professional assistance, speak to the social worker at Woman’s, who might be able to provide community resources, help you brainstorm for solutions, and come up with a plan.

Get comfortable.

If you will be on bed rest for an extended period of time, little things can make a big difference. Have someone arrange the phone, television, stereo, reading and writing materials, a cooler with snacks and drinks, and toiletry items within your reach, so that you do not have to get up and down out of bed. If you’re at home, sliding tables or a bed tray can be rented or purchased. Your nurse or physical therapist can make more suggestions that might increase your comfort level.

Get creative in caring for your other children.

Keep lots of activities near your bed, such as building blocks, arts and crafts supplies, and toys. Here are some games you can play without leaving your bed:

• Bed bowling with paper cups and a small ball
• Bed basketball with rolled socks and a laundry basket
• Making faces in a mirror
• Hand shadows with a flashlight on the wall
• Bed fishing with magnets and cutout fish on paper clips
• Red light – green light with you as the traffic cop
• Bed theater puppet show

Control boredom and the blues.

Get into crossword puzzles, shop and pay bills online, read, learn a new language, keep a journal for the baby – do whatever it takes to keep your mind active and positive. If you feel you need emotional help in order to cope, do not wait to ask for it. Do it for your baby!