You've dreamt of a perfect pregnancy with no major issues, but your doctor has announced that a complication that may trigger preterm labor forces your doctor to officially put you on bed rest. Emotions are getting the best of you: you’re worried about the well-being of your baby, you’re wondering how you are going to get everything done in time for baby's arrival and now that you’re bedridden, your morale is spiraling down extremely fast.
Keep a positive attitude
It may seem impossible to do, but the best thing you can do for your unborn child is to keep a positive attitude, and no let yourself be overwhelmed by stress or negative emotions. To help you keep perspective, continue to observe a daily routine. Stay in shape by doing some simple stretching exercises like moving your legs, feet, arms, and head softly. Don’t forget to take care of your appearance, as this will also have a positive effect on your mood and perception. Try to remember that being on bed rest does not only have negative consequences, but it can also be a good and much-needed thing! You’ll finally be able to catch up on much-needed sleep, which will serve you well when the baby is finally born!
Entertainment at your fingertips
As your movements will be limited, and your bed will likely become one of your best friends, prepare everything you think you might need to be comfortable and entertained throughout the day. A game of cards, your favorite books, and a laptop or tablet to share what you’re going through with other future moms on our discussion forums, to shop online, to watch movies or to listen to some music while practicing your talents as a singer could all be useful and fun things to have at arms length!
Accept help
Your partner is probably worried about you as well, so don’t hesitate to rely on them to help you through this difficult time. Remember that sharing these moments together will help them feel included and useful. They could prepare the items you’ll need during the day, for example, or make sure you always have enough to drink. If you have other children, they should be ready to entertain them while you rest and take care of everyday chores you used to do! The important thing is you take things one day at a time and accept their help - or anyone else's - when you need it.
Family and friends
Your friends might be too busy during the week with work and their family to come see you, but nothing prevents you from giving them a quick call to chat or to invite them over during the weekend for a mani-pedi session with the girls. You soon will have your hands full with a new baby, take this opportunity to maintain those relationships that you care about.
Prepare for the birth
You can’t do all the tasks you set yourself, but you can still do some things from the comfort of your bed. Folding the baby clothes your husband has cleaned, talking to your baby, making a list of what you want in your suitcase for the hospital, write a letter to your unborn child, etc. These are all good ways to mentally prepare you for the arrival of your baby.
Start a project
Are you the queen of scrapbooking? Have you always wanted to wrap your baby in a beautiful homemade quilt? This is the perfect time to practice your favorite hobby or even start learning a new one!
Delegate
To avoid tasks that accumulate as fast as your stress, why not consider using a housekeeper to keep your house in good condition while you rest or fill up your freezer with a catering service? You can also ask your family and friends to contribute time to help you accomplish what was on your list. It will make them happy, and you can rest your head until the big day!
Source: Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
