13 of 28

Write now Article Tools

For the last five months you've suffered swollen feet, aching calves, and a sore back... all you've wanted to do is sit or lye down for just a few minutes. Your doctor is not allowing you, but making you do that now... for the remaining four months of your pregnancy! Time seems to move very slowly when all you can do is lye there, waiting for the months, days, and minutes to pass. This time can become depressing for a mother-to-be. It is important to keep yourself entertained during this time, to fight off the blues, and make the time pass a little more quickly.

First off, you must remind yourself (often) that the doctor-ordered bed rest is for yours' and your baby's health. Your were put on bed rest for a reason, so (even though it may be tough) try to follow the orders given the best you can. Remember that this is "me time", something you won't see much of for the first few months after the baby arrives.

There are so many ways to keep yourself busy during this time, and with a little thought, you may come up with so much to do that you can't get it all done in the time given. You'd be surprised how quickly time will pass you by when your turning the wheels in your head. Projects that you have to think about will most likely help you temporarily forget about the ho-hum of your doctor's orders. Crosswords, fill-in-the-blanks, and cryptograms are a great way to exercise the brain. Or maybe you're into writing? Start a journal of the last few months of pregnancy and on through birth, or just fill in the blanks that need to be in the baby's book. Haven't gotten around to addressing birth announcements? Now is the opportunity to get those done and out of the way before your bundle of joy gets here. Maybe there is a novel you've been meaning to read but just haven't had the time. Or read the paper, keeping yourself up-to-date on local and national news will help you not to feel so "trapped" within your home. Indulge that guilty pleasure and subscribe to a magazine or two that you've always had interest in, or just have your partner or a friend pick up some magazines for you at the local grocery store.

If you have a laptop computer, and Internet connection, there are tons of things available to keep yourself busy and entertained. With so many chat rooms and discussion boards out there dedicated to mothers and mothers-to-be, perhaps you'll find another expecting mom out there typing away that is on bed rest too. Tons of free on-line games and gaming clubs are out there floating around for you to try your hand at. Find one that you'll be competing with or against another live contestant, like yourself, to make things more interesting. Perhaps you've always wanted to learn to knit, or maybe your interested in basket weaving- with instruction on-line and your new-found time you have, now is your chance to learn. Find a work-from-home job assembling small crafts or sending out mailings to make yourself a little bit of money while obeying your doctor's orders. Or stretch your creative muscles by entering articles into websites or magazines for possible publishing.

Have your partner move a small TV into the room you will most likely be spending most of your time in. Renting a couple of movies, popping some popcorn, and propping up on pillows is the perfect opportunity to spend couple-time together. Or maybe your into board games. -Challenge your partner or a pal to a friendly competition, the winner gets a foot message of course!

Lastly, make sure you get your rest. With the excitement and hustle-&-bustle after the baby is born, your going to miss out on a "few" hours of time for just you. Take this opportunity to take care of & pamper yourself, you deserve it!

Learn more about this author, Brandi Borland.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Surviving bed rest during pregnancy?
We want to hear your view. Write now!