Tips to Help Pregnant Women Survive Bed Rest

Bed rest is normally prescribed by doctors to avoid pregnancy complications. However, it is an ambivalent topic since there are many drawbacks comparing to the benefits it brings. It is essential that we understand the importance of bed rest during pregnancy.

Main reasons behind bed rest

Bed rest is equal to the reduction of your physical activities during pregnancy in order to minimize complications and negative effects on the baby’s health. Depending on your care provider, your activities may limit from doing heavy chores to strictly staying in bed except for bath time and using the toilet for a short period or even throughout most of their pregnancy.  Most reasons behind bed rest prescription include:

• High blood pressure (preeclampsia and eclampsia)
• Vaginal bleeding or problems with the placenta
• Preterm labor
• Incompetent cervix – a condition in which the cervix is likely to open prematurely
• Cervical insufficiency- thinning of the cervix
• Multiple pregnancy – carrying two or more babies
• Previous pregnancy complications including fetal loss, stillbirth, or premature birth
• Poor fetal development

How to get through bed rest without discomfort?

Bed rest presents many discomforts and restricts you from doing normal activities. However, there are helpful tips that make your bed rest period more pleasant:

• Place your necessary items such as phone, laptop, water bottle, healthy snacks, tissues, lip balm, the remote control, books and magazines, and extra pillows and blankets in an organized way and within hand reach.
• You can seek help from your friends or family with mobile activities like shopping for groceries, cleaning, taking care of your kids, etc.
• Watch your favorite series, read books or magazines, color, update your family’s budget in order to get rid of boredom.
• Confide in your partner or other moms-to-be to release stress and share your concern.

Even though there are many side-effects coming along, bed rest still acts as a safeguard for you and your baby’s health during pregnancy. Remember to ask your doctor for further information when being prescribed bed rest to acknowledge its effects and the methods to cope with it.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.