Delight in Pregnancy Bedrest

My first experience with bedrest was at 30 weeks into my second pregnancy when I was dilated between 2-3 centimeters. I was on strict bedrest which I renamed "pregnancy prison." All my life's freedom as I knew it was put on hold or "put to rest." I had a bad attitude about the whole thing and fantasized that the baby would come early so I wouldn't have to suffer any longer. My wish of an early delivery came true 4 weeks into bedrest.

The next pregnancy came and the physician ordered me to bed at 20 weeks. I had at least 16 weeks ahead of me confined to the beautiful surroundings of my bedroom. I knew I had to make a change in my attitude for the health of my child. This time bedrest wasn't so bad and the pregnancy lasted 37 weeks. Listed below are some of the things that helped me get through my limited pregnancy activity.

? Did relaxation exercises daily

? Had friends over to watch TV (snacks a necessity)

? Got up every hour for 5 minutes to stretch, eat or go to the bathroom

? Cleaned the toilets once a week

? Put my sons in half-day child care

? If I were able to control my contractions, I would get out of the house for 30-90 minutes once a week

? I avoided anything stressful at all cost

? Rented entertaining and funny videos

? Talked on phone from the couch or bed

? Asked my husband to bring me flowers to brighten the room

? Floated in the pool (no swimming)

? Listened to talk radio

? Read books or magazines

? Took relaxing baths surrounded by candles and soft music

? Accepted dinners and babysitting from friends

Have good communication with your physician regarding the reasons for bedrest. Don't hesitate to call your physician any time of the day or night if you are having out of control contractions. Ask him or her before you try any of my "physical" suggestions. The number one thing you can do on bedrest is relax. Despite popular belief, staying in bed all day is not relaxing. Most importantly, realize that you are not alone even though it feels like it. There are organizations on the web that give you bedrest support over the phone or email. Do what it takes to have a happy pregnancy, a healthy baby and delight in bed.

Julie L. Johnson is a wife and mother of three who has experienced every pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and breastfeeding situation there is and has lived to tell about. She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant practicing in Southern California. Her website http://www.birth-angel.com provides services and products to help ease the transition into motherhood.

---

Benefits of Exercise When Pregnant

Exercising during pregnancy is always a very good idea, and... Read More

Pregnancy Preparation: Who is a Baby Whisperer?

A baby whisper is a Dr. Mommy who inspires and... Read More

Exercise During Pregnancy

One of the best things you can do for yourself... Read More

Pregnancy Week By Week

There are three stages of pregnancy. These are the first,... Read More

Pregnant Mothers and Starbucks

Many mothers are addicted to caffeine and cannot handle going... Read More

Weight Loss After Pregnancy - The Importance Of Setting Goals

One of the best things you can do is set... Read More

How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy

Headaches are one of the more unpleasant "side effects" that... Read More

After Birth Weight Control

After having given birth; weight becomes a lasting issue for... Read More

Mommy Is Having A Baby!

Preparing for a new arrival from the beginning of your... Read More

Your Role as an Expectant Father

Quite often expectant fathers get bent out of shape over... Read More

How to Get Your Pre-pregnancy Body Back

The second biggest question you will ask yourself as a... Read More

Labor and Delivery

This is it - the finish line. You and your... Read More

Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Choosing The Right Foods

So you need to gain weight but don't want to... Read More

Reducing Your Pain In Childbirth

Pain is the word most associated with labor. Women go... Read More

Weight Loss After Pregnancy - The Final Word

One point can't be emphasized enough. Weight loss takes time... Read More

Five Ways to Read Your Bodys Changes before Pregnancy Test

What are the most unforgettable changes happen to your body... Read More

Avoiding Episiotomy During Childbirth

I coached as my wife was delivering our third child.... Read More

What If Your Teenager Get Pregnant?

What if you received a letter from a 13 years... Read More

Why Pregnant Women Get Stressed and Depressed?

If you are a pregnant mother or soon will be,... Read More

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Many women have questions about the types of food that... Read More

Doulas Are Laboring Angels

Have you considered hiring a doula for added support during... Read More

How To Avoid Swelling When Pregnant

Edema, otherwise known as swelling, will affect almost all women... Read More

Being Pregnant Is Not a Hurdle to Enjoy A Little Romance

Most of the time pregnant women are afraid to have... Read More

Folic Acid - An Overview of Its Importanace Before and During Pregnancy

FOLIC ACID ? AN OVERVIEWFolic Acid, also know as Vitamin... Read More

Life After Birth

LIFE AFTER BIRTH: THE FIRST 6 WEEKSLife after birth can... Read More

Pregnancy Symptoms, Signs and Symptoms of Being Pregnant

EARLY PREGNANCY SYMPTOMSAlthough a lot of women experience pregnancy symptoms,... Read More

How To Avoid Post Partum Depression

New mothers sometimes experience "postpartum blues." This is understandable. Pregnancy... Read More

Infertility and Pregnancy

When a couple is unable to conceive a child, it... Read More

Pregnancy and Tanning Bed - Think Before You Tan

With summer coming near, you would love to put on... Read More

Pregnancy Weight Gain - The Mystery Solved

It is important that you remember that weight gain is... Read More

Its Not A Sin For Pregnant Women To Have A Massage

Getting pregnant is really a moment of joy. Don't get... Read More

Pregnancy and Pre-natal Vitamins

Pre-natal vitamins are important to the health of a growing... Read More

Morning Sickness Survival Tips

"Just eat a few saltines and you'll be ok".I don't... Read More