Stir Crazy on Bed Rest, What Do I Do?

Uugh! Bedrest is tough. I was on for 8 weeks...gave birth to a healthy boy 3 weeks early. Spent 1 week in the hospital. Here's what a dear friend told me - "take it one day at a time". Don't look at the WEEKS - just today. My hubby used to pack a cooler next to the sofa for me before he went to work. We bought every movie channel and TiVo and thank goodness for laptops.

Hang in there! You can do this!

I've been reading many of the responses and most of them are about doing crafts. I was not on strict bed rest, but I was on restrictions. My mother was in town to help out, so with her assistance, we starting going through the filing cabinets. I was able to clean out, and go through a lot of paperwork. I was hoping to start going through photos, but was released back to work before that could be done. Book suggestion: "Secretes of the Baby Whisperer," by Tracy Hogg. It was very helpful. Good Luck & hang in there. Just take it one day at a time.

Been there, done that. I was on bed rest for 2 months before my youngest was born.

Do you do any crafts? I ended up crocheting a couple baby blankets. DVD's are nice. You can sign up for netflix if you have a computer.

Also, if you can get a laptop, you can have internet access.

See if you can get friends and family to visit.

It's hard. I know. Good Luck.

L.,

Do you like cinnamon? Cinnamon is supposed to be good for blood pressure.

My Mom used to get "milk leg" when she was pregnant. Unfortunately, I can't ask her what she did because she is now gone.

Hope you get the help you need.

T. V.

I know you've gotten quite a few reponses already and they are all such great ideas! I was never on bed rest while pregnant however my best friend was for the last 4 weeks of her pregnancy. We both work from home and she tells me working while on bed rest was a life saver for her. It really made her days fly by until her husband came home. So if you're intereseted and would like to make some extra money rather than just spend it shopping online send me an email and I'd be happy to share what we do...all of which you can do from the comfort of your cozy bed!

Now is a good time to go to the Family Christian Bookstore and pick up some good books on parenting. I know you are on bed rest but maybe your husband can go for you. Search some good titles on the internet-christianbooks.com I know a series of baby wise, child wise, teen wise. Also, there is a book called, Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman. Creative Correction by L. Welchel. I prefer christian books because I like to have God's word backing up any advise that is given to me. That is what I would do with my time. If you plan on scrapbooking your new babies memories you can get some magazines on scrapbooking and get some ideas for later on. For down time I lay in bed and watch a good movie. Maybe these ideas will help your time fly. Happy Labor Day. LOL

catch up on all those thank you's for baby gifts...and I bet you can even pre-write some! You know...the generic part of the thank you so when you get a gift all you have to do is add a sentence to personalize it and you're good to go. Trust me...you won't want to write thank you's when the baby comes!

I also worked on my baby announcements while I was on bedrest. I cut theh paper to size and printed off the generic portion of the announcement, that way when baby arrived we only had to print out pictures and the translucent part of the baby announcement. I addressed the envelopes and got them all ready to go.

Rent lots of movies and you can research stuff online..whatever interests you. Call lots of friends! Catch up on phonecalls with relatives!

good luck! Remember every day you're bored is a day your baby is getting stronger so he/she can hopefully come home from the hospital with you.

I was 17 when I had my first child, now age 24 with 2 kids of her own. For the last four months I was on total bed rest due to my blood pressure. The only reason that they didn't put me in the hospital at that time was because my mom was a nurses aid. Then the last week I was put in the hospital. The things that I found to entertain myself was reading, doing puzzles, watching TV, and sleeping. Now days there is the computer that can keep a person occupied for quit a while. It is important that you keep calm and keep your blood pressure down not only for yourself but for the baby also. Good luck !!!!!

Dear Lynn N,

I know what it feels like to be bed ridden, wanting to do so much and can't do anything! There was a time I was designing closets on the ceiling....just thinking what I could do when I was able to get up again.During this time, it seems as if it will never end, I know! But, it does. And as I run here and there...to and fro, I long for the time I HAD to stay in bed. Accept your time with gratitude. I know that sounds harsh..but truly, it is a short time in the scheme of life...get some books, an idea folder, cut out dreams for the future and put them in a folder. There is an EXCELLENT book I read, that really helps me put things in perspective(The Shack, by William P Young) It's transformed my thinking. Praise God there is something you can do to protect that little life living inside of you and treat it like Horton hatching the egg. It is thee most important job you will ever do and one day your baby will be forever grateful! Good Luck to you, and right now I am praying you will deliver a healthy happy baby and that you will look back on this time and realize what a difference you made! Sometimes, being still and knowing that He IS, is what He desires the most from us! God Bless! MS

Dear L.:

I feel your pain! I was on bed rest when I was prego with my twin girls. My bed rest was not to due to high blood pressure though.

I was only about 28 weeks along when I was put on bed rest. I started have pre-term labor, contractions, etc. I had a scheduled c-section for March 11th. They wanted me to at least get to the "safe zone".

My activities were restricted to shower, using the bathroom and possibly making a sandwich if I didn't have anyone else to help me. I could only make one trip up/down the stairs a day (since my bedroom was upstairs). I had to make sure I had everything I needed for the day before I went downstairs in the mornings.

It was very hard, because I always worked as well. The idea of staying home is nice because you're thinking of all of these things you could be doing, but when you just have to sit...it really stinks!

I spent a lot of my time writing, which is one thing I realy enjoy. I did a lot of crossword puzzles, watched some TV, took naps and if you have a laptop, that would be great too!

I was supposed to be on bed rest for 10 weeks, but my girls were born at 34 weeks, so I only had to do 6 out of 10. It was long and excruciating, but for the good of your baby!!

Even though our girls were born early, they were in perfect health (except on the smaller side). They are now 4 yrs. old.

Best of luck!!

Solitary activities: Reading, videos (especially sappy 'girl' movies that your husband won't watch!), knitting, crochet, write letters to friends you've not seen in a while, quilting or sewing, cooking / baking (most of it can be done while sitting on a stool), Xbox / Playstation games, internet surfing, scrapbooking (start a scrapbook for the baby - make the pages including 'Headings' while leaving blank spots to insert the babies photos. This is great because then you'd have a complete scrapbook within weeks of the babies arrival! You can even do this digitally - just design the page and then load the pictures in and print.

Companion activities: Board games and card games (I like both scrabble and boggle - they get you thinking!).

Good luck!

Dear L.,
I am the mother of two boys, ages 5 1/2 & 4. I have been running a daycare since I graduated from high school & when I became pregnant with my first son I had to close my daycare down for 7 mth. because of high blood pressure issues. At the time I thought it was the worse thing in the world... I'm sure if you asked my husband it was. I was very hormonal anyway & to add to that I felt like I no longer had a life... all my daycare children were gone & I felt very alone, sad & angry. As soon as my precious son was born I was back to my normal state of mind & my blood pressure was fine. I enjoyed my 6 weeks off & opened my doors again & was abundantly blessed. Looking back on those days, I would do it all over again & enjoy the time of silence & bordom because before long you no longer have to worry about silence or bordom again. The way I tried to look at it when I was going through that emotional time... if I do everything in my power to keep this baby safe, I know I did my best... but trying to be wonder women & push what the Dr. says, if anything happened to my baby I would never forgive myself. Enjoy some reading & extra TV, before you know it that baby will be here & you'll wonder if you'll ever be bored again! Good luck & GOD BLESS!

My daughter and my sister both were on MONTHS of bedrest due to blood clots. Both were EXTREMELY active before that. It was a very stressful time for them both. My daughter was a mere 1/2 semester away from graduating so she could become a teacher, my sister was a guitarist/drummer and always on the road with her group. They had to maintain their activities in other ways. My sister got a set of "practice" drums that she could play while sitting in the bed. And she refined her artistic skills(drawing and writing) My daughter ran her group day care home (through her qualified assistants)while sitting in her bed while writing poetry. She is now a member of Prose and Poetry and has even gotten some of her works published. Perhaps you could write lesson plans, write out activites for the students, including directions for following them. Are there any other activites in which you can indulge mentally? Have a fish tank set up in your room and admire their grace and beauty. This will help you calm down as well.
I am no expert but all of these ideas come from very real life experiences(the fish helped me). I hope this helps you out. ~B. S~

Have a friend pick up materials to start a scrap book for your baby. You'll have lots of time to get creative with page layouts or work on a pregnancy diary. Also, you could write letters to your child telling him/her what your thoughts and dreams are for them. When I was expecting, I had students write "Welcome to the world" letters for my child. Rarely in our lives do we have time for reading, introspection and just relaxing. So enjoy while you can, for in a few weeks, you won't even have time to shower .

I was on bedrest with my youngest in the hospital. Ugh! I spent the time journaling for her, reading, cross-stitching (may seem old fashioned, but you can see what you've done. A friend of ours who was on bedrest with her twins watched a lot of movies. Hope it helps.

My son has been unemployed for about a year---not the same thing at all, I know, but here is one thing he said after about 6 months: "I have begun to dream again" I think you will be surprised at the gift that emerges from your bed rest time. You must see it as a gift. the day will come when you will long for just a little rest. My advice is get out your deferred reading list and dig in. Spend some time in concentrated prayer. Organize your photos. Write in a journal. Think about life. Write letters to others. If you do any kind of needle work, now is the time. knit, crochet, embroider. Ask people to come visit you. Be a listener. Best wishes, a whole new world is opening to you.

Congratulations on still being pregnant! I had hypertension with both my pregnancies, the first resulting in an emergency c-section at 30 weeks. My 9-year old daughter is a thriving beauty, but it sure was a scary experience having a 2 1/2 lb baby! My second pregnancy resulted in a 9 lb 2 oz baby after 4 1/2 months on bedrest. As difficult as it was to just lay there for that long, it was SO WORTH IT! I found it a great opportunity to justify the purchase of a laptop, which kept me able to work from bed, and able to maintain some contact with the outside world - LOL. I also caught up on lots of reruns on TV, and reading was great. It was hard to let go of being able to do things, but I tell you it was great for my c-sect recovery - I couldn't sit still once I had my daughter! My recovery was quick! I was up more than I was down, and my house was never cleaner (all those things I couldn't do while I was down)!! Hang in there. The time will pass and before you know it you will be loving on your new little blessing. Good Luck!!!

I was on bed rest with my son for 6 months. My husband rented some good movies for me and I read a zillion books. It helped because with books you can let your mind take you somewhere else. I admit I still hated laying in bed and couldn't stand to look at the walls any more, but knowing I was doing it for my son made it bearable. Good luck and I'll pray for you!

Do you know how to crochet or knit?? I have lots of patterns you can try. What about a new bible study?? Reading a new series? If you need help let me know, L. S. mom of 6

I had surgery a few years ago and had to have complete bed rest, and like you I was going crazy. My neighbor taught me how to crochet. But the secret to my success was, I made baby hats for our hospital. Little tiny hats that I could make in about an hour. The hospital gave me the pattern and I started making for the area children's hospital too for premees. I experimented with different colors to keep it interesting. Also I started crocheting scarves for the homeless shelter. My husband even took some joy out of it because he was my "buyer" of yarn. Good luck hon, and also lose yourself in books. Go back and reread the classics that u hated in school. Alicegail.

Lynn,
Think positive- perhaps this is your opportunity to learn to knit/crochet a beautiful blanket for your new baby or to write letters to him/her about your life, hopes... which your child will someday read! 10 weeks is a long time to be sedentary, but maybe if you take up meditating now, your high blood pressure will drop naturally! Good luck!
L.

I've had people on bedrest volunteer to help do craft prep for Sunday school and preschool. Maybe that is something you could do that you would find enjoyable since you are a teacher...another option is volunteering. Your county or church might have phone calls you could make to various people to just say "hI!". I had a friend from church and that is what she did while on bedrest for a few months. She made phone calls to the church shut ins and others in need of cheer. She developed some close friendships in the process!

I'll be praying for you!

i know it seems like the impossible, but try to relax (its the last chance your going to have in at least 18 yrs). if your restricted from most activities try meditation. it is the best thing for blood pressure. focus on your breathing, inhale deep but slowly, then exhale completly. after several breaths let your mind go freely. i know what its like to have hard pregnancies, all 3 of mine were, but my last and most dificult one produced my most advanced and fastest growing daughter. at 3 everyone insists she must be 5 or 6 (in size and intellagence). good luck =]

I went through this with two pregnancies...for five months each time. I read a lot of books, taught myself how to knit, did some sewing, and stamping. You can organize photos and get them in books. Design baby announcements and get your mailing list ready. Get some guided meditation CEs and learn how to meditate. It'll help your blood pressure and make you feel refreshed even though you can't move around a lot. Then there's always Netflix. Good luck. I know it can make you crazy, but it's so worth it! God Bless!

I can really sympathize. When I was pregnant with my first...oh, some 30 years ago...I had a problem pregnancy, and my activities were severly restricted. I had to come up with ways to spend my day besides watching bad t.v. (Funny, some things never change :) You do have one advantage over me...the internet!

If you want to be mentally challenged , I suggest you use this time to share your teaching expertise with others. As a teacher, you are probably aware of many magazines geared to supporting your profession. You mentioned you were a teacher but not what grade level. If you're elementary, magazines like Mailbox and Instructor run teaching units each month. Try your hand at developing units and then submit them for publication. If you don't get them published, you will have new and exciting units to use when you get back to teaching. And if you do...you might be looking at a new career direction!

You can also use this time to become informed about many topics you are normally too busy to pursue...like Renaissance architecture, the mating habits of the praying mantis or knitting! As they say, a mind is a terrible thing to waste...don't look at this as a time of confinement, but rather as liberation...a gift of time for totally egocentric pursuits! The possibilities are indeed endless!

Good morning Lynn,
I know you must be feeling sooo antsy being on bedrest, you're used to being a go getter! The easist way to be comfortable with this is to first change your thoughts. Thoughts are always first. Instead of thinking about not being able to do what you would like to do right now think of it as if your baby was already born. Shift your thinking to something like "My baby needs me to stay in this bed," come up with the words that you would say if you were speaking to your best friend (because you are, by the way ;)! ) Once you can shift your thoughts, your own creative brilliance will come up with ways for you to pass the time!

Have a brilliant day~ Life Coach J.

Hi, I was on bed rest for 11 weeks with my son back in fall 06. The first week is the worst, until you get into a routine. It appears you have access to a computer, so joining online chats and communities is great. I always liked BabyCenter bulletin boards. I also learned how to crochet and I crocheted hats for my baby (did different colors for the upcoming holidays). Puzzle books like Sudoku were great - kept my mind busy. I had someone come in for breakfast, so they would visit for a while. Then another person came for lunch, and they would visit. By dinner, my husband was home and we would spend the evening together. I was on strict bedrest and had to lay flat. Good luck.

Hello L.,

The advice I can give you is lots of books lots of T.V. and fight the urge to do stuff. See maybe if someone can come in and do a massage or a pedicure pamper yourself. Call people you haven't talked to in awhile surf the net. I have only had to be on bedrest for a few days and those few days alone were hard. Keep your chin up and keep a positive attitude it is all worth it in the end.

I was not on bedrest, though I was on restricted activities when I was pregnant with my twins. Unlike you, I welcomed the chance to stay home from work and the opportunity to lie down and rest. Also, unlike you, I already had a 3 year old that I had to be able to take care of so I really needed all the rest I could get so I had some energy to do things with him in the evenings after preschool and on weekends. Maybe you can organize photos that have been lying around or watch all of the movies you've been wanting to see. Try to think of your bedrest as something you are doing now for the child. So often I think women forget that gestation is WORK, and hard work at that.

Rent all the seasons of Six Feet Under (Blockbuster has them) and watch one episode after another.

And sleep a lot before your baby comes!!!

If you are planning to scrapbook your child's life, now would be a good time to make the pages and leave slots for the pictures to go in. Also, I recently bought a book to fill in for my kids about my life, how I met my husband etc. Once the baby comes you will have no time to write down anything! Good luck

Do you enjoy reading? I love to find good books and the time flys. Do you have a lap top? If so, get some PC games or explore the internet about baby stuff. Television is probably there. Try renting movies you haven't seen in a really long time or classics or musicals. Something you wouldn't normally rent, but may enjoy. Write lists. I'm a huge list writer and it gives me satisfaction. There's lots of planning with a baby, start writing it out. Maybe make some "honey do" lists. Instead of a shower, take a relaxing bath. Light candles, etc...

I was on bed rest for 12 weeks and learned to cross stitch!! It kept my hands and mind busy. I also loved to do word searches. Do you do any crafting? You could also start a scrapbook for the baby!!

A.

L.- Congrats on your first baby! This is a very exciting time for you, I'm sure! That being said---RELAX!! I know it's hard to lay in bed, I go crazy when I'm sick after awhile just laying there!! Although, I've never been on bedrest for my child, I think I would sit back and enjoy the rest while you can! This is the last time that you are going to be able to relax for awhile--take it from a mom of three all born within 3 1/2years!! Life is crazy from here on out!

I know it's got to be hard, but it's really in the best interests for you and your child! You've probably already heard this from your healthcare provider, but since I'm a nurse and am "trained" to educate patients, I'm going to say it anyway----LOL----you need to stay in bed! The risks of you having a stroke or having to deliver a child that early are too just too great! Listen to your doctors, read, do cross-stitch or any "crafty" thing that you are interested in! Let family and friends dote on you for awhile!

Good luck!

Congrats!!!
I too was on bed rest...however it was for 4 1/2 months. I have triplets and the girls are now 4 yrs old. I never thought I could get though it, but the end results are worth everything you go through. First off I had a lap top in bed. Any chance you could get a computer it was my life saver. I worked up until about a month before I had the girls at 31 weeks. But it also gave me the chance to research things for the babies...sign up for free stuff; activites for them when they were older. And best of all play games. Also a great thing to do in bed is arm exercises...this way when your baby comes you only will have to work off your tummy and you will have great looking arms. It also helps your back from getting stiff. I wish I did this more. Good Luck you can do it...this is just a start of all the tests of "Motherhood".

I know some what how you feel. I was on bedrest for 4 months, plus I had a 15 month at home... THAT SUCKED...and I COULDN'T get up with out bleeding..So, I had piles of books by me and read all day to my daughter, or I read my own books, or I knit...The knitting helped release my stress and it was for my baby! :)

If your bedroom is on the second floor, consider renting a hospital bed (or moving your bed) and putting it in your living room. You will feel more a part of things if you aren't stuck in your bedroom 24/7. They also adjust so you can be upright and more comfortable. I survived 8 weeks of strict bedrest, and as others said, take all the help you can get! My mom, neighbors, and co-workers came by every day to have lunch with me (while DH was at work). I re-organized my scrapbooks, recipe files, and junk drawers from my bed. I learned how to knit and read a ton of how-to baby books. Good luck! You can do it!

I was on complete bed rest IN the hospital for 6 weeks before my daughter was born at 32 weeks. It was very difficult, especially since I had a 3 year old at home. I hope you have a good suppport system...that helps a lot.

The thing that saved me was this web site and the pen pal I had. Please visit and think about signing up...they are WONDERFUL people who know exactly what you are going through. I can also help out with advice and on line company if you would like.

The main thing to remember is that this is such a SHORT period of time in the greater scheme of things and you are doing it to have a healthy baby, so relax! You will soon be WISHING you could have some down time and sleep...no one can prepare you for how much sleep you will loose once the baby comes!

Here is the website/support group:
http://www.sidelines.org/

Good luck and keep in touch if you want to talk to someone who has been there! I can give you my private email address is you are interested.

J.

L.
Congrats on being pregnant and on being a terrific mom for already giving your baby the best ever....I survived no thrived on bed rest for 23 weeks and 4 days with my 5th daughter and it was challenging but so worthwhile. My first suggestion is learn to accept help from anyone who offers it...second, don't take risks....only do what you can live with and third sign up for support at www.sidelines.org it is a free online organization that supports women on bed rest just like you and just like I used to be!
I know first hand how valuable my commitment to bed rest was....her name is Francesca Ruby and she turns 2 this May and she was never expected to survive my pregnancy and low and behold she runs, jumps, laughs and brightens my everyday!!
Peace
E.
Nursery Times Day Care

Maybe you could learn how to knit, I tought my friend who has 20 weeks to go and is on bed rest. She's making discloths and scarves for Christmas gifts. It's super easy and I find it very relaxing. I hope you find something to make your time at home go by faster, I can't imagine it's easy. Good Luck!!

Well, you could get things done that you've never bothered doing before (and will certainly not have any time to do in the early years of your child's life)... Here's a list of suggestions that might spark some creativity for you:

* write a novel
* write a dissertation (if you can reach the computer, you can certainly do the research)
* sort and label all your photos
* compile a family history, including interviewing elderly relatives (by phone, if necessary) for posterity
* create a complete family tree
* sort your memorabilia and label it to display it all like an art exhibit
* take up painting (watercolours are portable and not too messy)
* learn to play the violin (there is something good and maudlin about the violin that suits bedrest in my head)
* start and moderate your own debate list online, or write a blog, or search around for political sites and debate the issues on the message boards
* write your life's story to date, while you still remember it
* write your child about your wishes and dreams for his/her life
* evaluate your life so far in terms of having lived your own personal values, having developed your own character, and create a list what improvements you can make in the future
* write your own personal commandments, the things you really believe in and what you will and will not do, no matter the provocation
* create a comic strip or book, with characters that mean something to you personally
* sort through your files and dump all the out-of-date stuff you have no reason to keep
* create a menu plan for the first few months after the baby is born with an eye specifically on minimal labour, many meals with one kitchen visit and enlisting the help of others
* learn to meditate
* re-write a book that you like the ideas in but isn't done right, in your opinion (fiction or non-fiction)
* call up friends from long ago and shoot the breeze without any urgency to get anything else done
* establish a rota of labourers and helpers who will do the housework and errands for you after the baby is born
* learn calligraphy so you can make the baby announcements by hand
* take up needlework or knitting
* get the whole Nova series on DVD and learn something while you knit or cross-stitch or paint
* take a correspondence or online course that requires a great deal of reading and writing -- modern literature or restoration poetry or greek theatre or whatever

There's probably a squillion other choices, too. I hope this makes you feel more creative and less strapped down...

L.,
First be real careful with pregnancy and meds. I'd opt for alternative and herbs, supplements.
But I am physically challenged myself. What do I do between computer chair and lounger chair? I read email, bid on eBay, and change chairs and read Harlequin novels. Reading relaxes. And it stimulates the imagination. Hey you might be a budding author for all you know and could get inspired to try writing.
But you have to make up your mind first and decide your pregnancy and health are worth a little self discipline. Force yourself to do something. Be creative. Cross stitch, play cards, do in-home work for others like billing or word processing, etc. You're fortunate you've got legs to move to do some allowable exercise. Go out and enjoy nature. Research your family for some in depth brain power! there ya go! If anything can take up your time it's putting together a family tree. Or a jigsaw puzzle.
Good luck, tho! I know it can be frustrating.

L.,

I am a first grade teacher with three children. If I were in that situation I would work on setting up a website for my classroom and gather all the good resources I could use for teaching and communicating with parents. There are lots of places you can get free spaces to start your site..Do you teach lower el.? If so, check out jmeacham.com as an example. I know you must feel antsy, but I know the life of a teacher and time is one of the most valuable gifts.

Heather

What are your interests? Reading, crocheting, knitting, writing, watching movies, playing cards or board games, scrapbooking, etc. Some other ideas--write a letter to a friend, relative, your baby. Have a laptop? Have a name picked out? One thing that I have done (not b/c of being on bedrest, though) is cutting words, phrases, pictures, etc. out of magazines to use for cards, letters, or a journal, just for fun. Do you have any projects you've been wanting to finish, or homemade Christmas/birthday gifts? My mom traditionally makes a baby blanket/quilt for each of her grandkids. I've enjoyed making some too. Just some thoughts! Hope it helps.