If Hospitalization Is Recommended

Your doctor may recommend you stay in the hospital, if he or she is worried about your condition. In the hospital, you will likely need to stay in bed a lot and be carefully monitored. In the Coping with Restrictions section, we offer some activity suggestions for women who must be in bed for much of the day. For many women who are hospitalized, however, the emotional challenges are more difficult than the physical ones.

Fear and Uncertainty

For many women, uncertainty is the most difficult aspect of being hospitalized while pregnant. When and how will labour happen, and how will you cope? Will your baby be OK? Will you be able to cope if your child has special needs? Hopefully, your hospital caregivers will recognize that it's not helpful to pat your hand and say, “everything's going to be fine.” Women say that's not what they want to hear – they know a false guarantee will not help them. Your caregivers will encourage you to focus on the days you gain and the positive things that are happening.

While the incidence of preterm labour (labour before the 37th week of pregnancy, or three weeks before the due date) hasn't changed in about twenty years, the outcomes for premature babies have improved dramatically.

Your life has also changed dramatically. Whatever responsibilities you had at home or work have been put aside so you can protect your pregnancy and have a healthier child. You may feel stressed and guilty about what you have left undone, especially if you have other children. Be confident that you are doing everything possible to meet the needs of your baby. There may be things over which you and your caregivers have no control. You have good and bad days. You may even be tearful sometimes. This is all normal. Try to remain focused on the positive. If it helps you, make lists and schedules for your partner or friends to help them manage their new tasks.

Loss of Control

Women who must stay in the hospital often feel a loss of control. Someone else is controlling what you do, what you eat, who comes into your living space and even when people come. You are in an unfamiliar environment and the technology and medical jargon contribute to your feeling vulnerable. It's important to know what's happening to you and why. Let your caregivers know what you need.

Loneliness

Being in hospital physically separates you from loved ones. Hospitalization can make it difficult to connect with your friends and family, the most likely sources of comfort and support in any crisis. If you wish to talk to them, let these important people know they are welcome to visit or call. The staff at your hospital will encourage their involvement.

Most people you know haven't had this experience so you may feel that they can't understand what you are going through. This can add to your feeling of loneliness. However, your family and friends do care about you and will usually be sympathetic. You may feel as if you're missing out on the "normal" experience of pregnancy. It may be helpful to meet some of the other women who are having similar experiences and staying in the same unit, to hear their stories and about how they have managed. It may also help to take part in some of those "normal" preparations, like prenatal classes or preparing for the baby. See the Coping with Restrictions section for details.

To help cope with feelings of loneliness you may be having, you will want to keep in contact with your friends by phone or mail. Encourage your friends to come in and bring dinner so you can eat together. Talk to the staff and ask if your friends could have a small baby shower for you in the hospital. You may also want to ask your nurse if there are other women with similar experiences in the hospital that you can talk to.

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