Coping with Restrictions

If you have been told you must restrict your activities to protect your pregnancy, you may feel like the rug has been pulled out from underneath you. Your life may seem like it is going on and you are not. Gradually, however, you will find ways to cope. Encourage your friends and family to be around at this time. They can help with chores, but they will also help keep your routine more familiar and more social.

Keeping books and other activities nearby can help you cope.

Child Care

If you have other children, your staying in the hospital or even having your activities limited in your own home may be distressing for everyone. This is especially true if you are usually at home with your children. When planning ahead for a new baby, many parents arrange to have additional help. If it’s an option, you may want to draw on those supports earlier, while you are pregnant. Family members may be able to help out with taking care of your children, at least temporarily. Take the plunge and ask for help. You won’t be able to do everything, so think about what your priorities are. You may need to lower your standards for cleaning and cooking!

Work

If you normally work, you may be concerned about making alternate arrangements. Depending on the nature of your health problem and the nature of your work, you may be considering doing some work during this period. You should explain your situation to your obstetrician and discuss this thoroughly with him or her. If you have begun planning for who will replace you while you’re on maternity leave, you may be able to have this individual begin early.

Coping with Staying in Bed

If you need to stay in bed, make your space as comfy as possible. Use flannel sheets and linens that you like. Consider getting an "egg crate" mattress pad to make your bed more comfortable. Positioning and pillows are important. Have a clock close by and try to wake up and go to sleep at about the same time every day. Plan your bedrest area so that you can reach everything you may need, such as:

• the phone and important phone numbers
• a clock
• books
• radio/music
• TV/DVDs
• laptop (with internet connectivity)
• snacks (thermos or cooler)

Your concentration may be poor, so don't expect too much from yourself; however, you may want to try a new craft or read a book you've always wanted to read. If these activities are difficult, you might try re-reading an old favourite. Women who have more energy and concentration may try finding some volunteer phone work to do. Many charitable organizations need this kind of support. You might also think about taking a correspondence course.

Most of us have some chores that have been put off that could be done in this situation. Try organizing old photographs or recipes, sorting through your household finances, or learning how to use the automated phone or internet system for your banking. Some women also want to start a journal at this time. If writing is tiring for you, you can record your thoughts on audio or videotape.

Learning about Childbirth and Parenting

One thing you may feel you are missing out on is prenatal classes. There are videos of such classes available, and an abundance of excellent books. Check out our Health A-Z section for recommendations.

Relieving Stress

To relieve stress, you might want to explore some simple relaxation techniques, such as meditation or visualization. Recordings of guided visualizations are now sold on CD. These techniques may help you unwind and reduce the muscle aches from staying in bed. Practising breathing techniques can help you relax and may also be useful during labour. Ask your caregivers about massages that are safe for you, and then arrange to have one at home or in the hospital. This luxury relieves tension and stress and also lets you feel a bit pampered. You may also want to try some gentle exercises to keep up your strength, flexibility and muscle tone while you are on bedrest. But before doing any exercises, check with your doctor or midwife to make sure these won’t jeopardize your health or the health of your baby.

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