Bed rest can be a difficult treatment to live with, even though you know it is the most important thing for the health of both you and your unborn child. If you are prescribed bed rest at home, the following tips can help you cope with it and keep your life on track.
Tip #1: Know Your Level.
It's a good idea to keep listening once the doctor prescribes bed rest, because there are many different levels to this prescription. The most extreme at-home level means you can only get up to go to the restroom or bathe, and you may require help even for that. At the lightest level, you are allowed to get up and move around the house for a certain amount of time each day, but you aren't to do any type of lifting or physical work. It's important to fully understand what level your doctor is advising and exactly what activities you will still be allowed to participate in.
Tip #2: Invest in Comfort
Your bed is your new home, so make sure it is comfortable. It's a good idea to get higher quality sheets that are comfortable against the skin. If your mattress is worn, you may need to invest in a new mattress or at least a mattress topper to add comfort. Pillows are also an important source of comfort. A full body pillow is good for pregnant side sleepers, while a TV pillow that allows you to comfortably sit up in bed is a major comfort during long hours of bed rest.
Tip #3: Develop a Plan
You and your family will need to maintain as much normalcy as possible during bed rest. Begin by drafting helpers, such as willing friends or family. Do not turn down any offers of help! It helps to have a list ready so you can instantly tell anyone that asks what you need. For example, list what meals your family will need help with, or if you need any help cleaning, taking the other children to school, or walking the dog. Not only does it direct your helpers to where they are most needed, it helps alleviate your stress because you still have some control of your home. Consider yourself a manager at home during this period.
Tip #4: Follow a Routine
Routines are a good thing. Go ahead and set up a daily routine for yourself, even if you can't really leave the bed. Wake up at the same time each day and comb your hair and put on clean pajamas so you are ready for any visitors. Eat at the same time, as well. Schedule activities with any other children you have, such reading or playing a game. It's also a good idea to schedule time each evening with your spouse, who may be otherwise so busy trying to do your usual tasks that you will both forget to reconnect each day. Finally, adopt a hobby or two and pursue this so you aren't simply staring at a television all day.
Talk to trusted medical professionals, such as OB-GYN Associates, to get further tips and possibly even a second opinion.
Share15 January 2016
One day I was playing a game of basketball with a friend, and the friend I was playing ball with tripped and took a hard fall to the ground. He hit his head hard, but he insisted he was okay and just wanted to go home and take a nap. I knew in my heart that he was not thinking clearly, and I didn't feel right letting him go home. I talked him into letting me take him to the hospital, and after some tests, it was determined he had a bad concussion. The doctors told me that if I had let him go home and sleep, things could have taken a turn for the worse. I created this blog to remind everyone to look out for each other after injuries. Not everyone thinks clearly after a head injury, and just being a good friend could save a life.