I was put on bed rest in the last 3 weeks of my pregnancy with Layla. I had high blood pressure on the verge of preeclampsia so in an effort to maintain a somewhat healthy BP, I had to stop working and start "resting". It was the dullest, most boring part of my whole life. I should have enjoyed it while it lasted...
Pregnant women are placed on bed rest for many reasons. Preeclampsia, high blood pressure, momma's carrying multiples, risk for preterm labor…the list goes on and on.
There are also different types of bed rest. Modified bed rest is more of a "do this but not that" kind of routine. Like "you can sit up to use your computer, but you shouldn't drive" or "you can get up to make lunch and shower, but you shouldn't clean". Modified bed rest can be prescribed for just a few days, or for several weeks in your pregnancy.
Strict bed rest is when you need to be duck taped to the couch or bed. Basically you aren't able to get up except to use the rest room and sit up to eat. Some women do this type of bed rest at home, but others that need more monitoring have to live it up in a hospital for awhile.
It sounds silly but bed rest can actually be a life saver for Mommy and baby and should really be taken seriously. So if your doc tells you to take it easy, please listen to him (although I know it is tempting to want to just quickly jump up and dust off that coffee table within reach…don't do it!).
So you've been banned to the bed…now what? I watched endless, and I mean ENDLESS, hours of Baby Story on TLC. I am convinced that I am now certified to delivery a baby and could probably perform a c-section in the case of an extreme emergency. I also watched every rerun of Super Nanny so I'm a parenting expert as well (HA!).
But if you aren't into glaring at the TV for long hours of the day, let me offer you a few suggestions:
1. Start a blog! Of course this would be the first item on my list. :) Creating a blog is an excellent way to share photos and stories with your family and friends after the baby comes.
There are also different types of bed rest. Modified bed rest is more of a "do this but not that" kind of routine. Like "you can sit up to use your computer, but you shouldn't drive" or "you can get up to make lunch and shower, but you shouldn't clean". Modified bed rest can be prescribed for just a few days, or for several weeks in your pregnancy.
Strict bed rest is when you need to be duck taped to the couch or bed. Basically you aren't able to get up except to use the rest room and sit up to eat. Some women do this type of bed rest at home, but others that need more monitoring have to live it up in a hospital for awhile.
It sounds silly but bed rest can actually be a life saver for Mommy and baby and should really be taken seriously. So if your doc tells you to take it easy, please listen to him (although I know it is tempting to want to just quickly jump up and dust off that coffee table within reach…don't do it!).
So you've been banned to the bed…now what? I watched endless, and I mean ENDLESS, hours of Baby Story on TLC. I am convinced that I am now certified to delivery a baby and could probably perform a c-section in the case of an extreme emergency. I also watched every rerun of Super Nanny so I'm a parenting expert as well (HA!).
But if you aren't into glaring at the TV for long hours of the day, let me offer you a few suggestions:
1. Start a blog! Of course this would be the first item on my list. :) Creating a blog is an excellent way to share photos and stories with your family and friends after the baby comes.
2. Catch up on your pregnancy/baby books. These things will all fall on the back burner when baby gets here…might as well get a head start for now!
3. Pick out birth announcements and pre-address and stamp envelopes. All you need is a picture of your bouncing baby to then print out and stuff the announcements. SERIOUS time saver.
4. Catch up with friends. Adult conversations go away for awhile when all you care about is the last time your baby pooped or when you are COVERED in spit up. Take some time to call your friends, tell them you love them and they may not hear from you for awhile. No, you aren't in trouble with the mafia…you just have this baby that will need taken care of soon.
5. Words with Friends. I didn't have this luxury when I was on bed rest but would have made everyone I know play with me. What do you mean you have to work? I'm stuck on the couch all day and I need your help...It is YOUR TURN to play a WORD!
3. Pick out birth announcements and pre-address and stamp envelopes. All you need is a picture of your bouncing baby to then print out and stuff the announcements. SERIOUS time saver.
4. Catch up with friends. Adult conversations go away for awhile when all you care about is the last time your baby pooped or when you are COVERED in spit up. Take some time to call your friends, tell them you love them and they may not hear from you for awhile. No, you aren't in trouble with the mafia…you just have this baby that will need taken care of soon.
5. Words with Friends. I didn't have this luxury when I was on bed rest but would have made everyone I know play with me. What do you mean you have to work? I'm stuck on the couch all day and I need your help...It is YOUR TURN to play a WORD!
6. Maintain your accounts. If you can, try to prepay some of your bills that may sneak in while you are in the hospital or taking care of baby those first few weeks. Also, call your insurance company and see if you can do anything to preregister with them (talk about a major headache!). You could even start a savings account for baby.
7. Paint your nails. If you are able to reach…don't forget your toe nails! You can get REALLY creative with this and kill a ton of time.
7. Paint your nails. If you are able to reach…don't forget your toe nails! You can get REALLY creative with this and kill a ton of time.
8. Catch up on movies/shows/books that you've wanted to read. What a better way to relax but still stir things up a bit! I read 10 books and watched the first season of TrueBlood so I could go back to work and have a meaningful vampire conversation with my friends after maternity leave.
9. Prepare the nursery. How are you to do this from the couch? Online shopping my friends! Make sure you are stocked up on diapers, wipes, clothing…all the necessities. Just make sure to leave a note on your door for the delivery man to leave things on your door step so you aren't tempted to answer the door 10 times a day.
10. Stalk people on FaceBook. For the first time in years I actually knew what people were up to after high school.
9. Prepare the nursery. How are you to do this from the couch? Online shopping my friends! Make sure you are stocked up on diapers, wipes, clothing…all the necessities. Just make sure to leave a note on your door for the delivery man to leave things on your door step so you aren't tempted to answer the door 10 times a day.
10. Stalk people on FaceBook. For the first time in years I actually knew what people were up to after high school.