by Davina Latham

Created on: May 08, 2009   Last Updated: May 13, 2009

Bed rest is a common practice during pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, bed rest is most often prescribed for high blood pressure, cervical changes, vaginal bleeding, pre-term labor, multiples, placental complications, history of pregnancy loss and gestational diabetes. For many women the hardest part is being confined to a bed with no place to go. The household must continue to run without her. This may be a tough time, but there are ways to cope.

The first thing to do is enlist help. Someone will need to be with you around the clock to help with things around the house. Bed rest means just what it says. It will be up to someone else to clean, do laundry, cook, wash dishes and care for any other children. If you need something to eat or drink, someone will need to be available to get it. At first you may feel bad about having someone take care of you, but you could offer to pay them or return a favor after you recover.

If you don't have a television in your bedroom, have one moved in. Watching your favorite shows will create a distraction for your mind. Books and magazines are also great for this purpose. Dwelling on being stuck in bed will only make you feel anxious or even depressed. This is supposed to be a time to relax.

A computer might also be an option. You could keep in contact with friends and family via the Internet. If there are still things that need to be purchased for the coming baby, you can shop online. There is no need to miss out on the fun of baby shopping.

Don't forget a phone. It is a valuable tool at this point in life. Call a buddy to chat. Keep in contact with the world outside. Hearing familiar voices will help you feel less isolated. If a friend or relative has been on bed rest before they could share tips with you, and provide a sympathetic ear.

Invite people over. Have a sitting area set up near your bed for visitors. Put on some nice pajamas and have a get-together. There's no need to hide from the world. You may have to stay in bed, but you can still talk and have lunch or dinner with company. Continue to be social.

Other children in the household can make this time even harder than anything else. They may feel left out and even a bit neglected. Combat this by finding new ways to spend time together. They could join you on the bed for a story or a snack. With lap desks or a table they could do their homework in your room where you can still offer assistance. The time together will be special to them, and you may end up starting some new rituals along the way.

Don't forget about your significant other. Spend time with each other. Watch movies together and have dinner. Talk about their day and how you are feeling. Let them take care of you for a while. You might learn a lot about each other. Who knows? Maybe he's actually a good cook after all!

Above all, remember that this is only temporary. Life will return to normal soon. And, when it's over you will be bringing home a beautiful new baby. In the meantime, you get to be princess for a day, so to speak.

For further reading about bed rest visit:

The American Pregnancy Association

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