Tips for Surviving Pregnancy Bedrest

• Network with other women who are going through or have gone through bedrest (see links).
  
• Develop a schedule for your day. Try to keep your mind actively engaged in a variety of activities.
  
• Limit television. Again, try to vary your day.
  
• Work on projects — finish photo albums — organize coupons — write in a journal — organize your address books — organize recipes — meal plan for the future — sign up for baby freebies and mailings online — take an online course. However, do not but too much pressure on yourself to get everything done — your primary job is be on bedrest — it's a very tough job — not for the faint of heart.
  
• Read baby and parenting books — keep focused on the wonderful end results of bedrest. Request library books online and ask a friend to pick them up.
  
• Sleep when you need it.
  
• Accept help when it is offered. Obviously, within reason. Meals are always needed and appreciated.
  
• Cups with flexible straws are a necessity — it's the only way you can drink while laying down.
  
• Drink a lot of water. At 30 weeks, I started having "uterine irritability" and became dehydrated, a result of the stomach flu. I found that by drinking water around the clock I could lessen the symptoms of this irritability. (see Saphia Water)
• Find a comfortable place to spend during your time on bedrest. Early on I could no longer sleep in our bed. Our mattress was extra firm and extra deep. I wish I would have found the maternity air bed during this time.
  
• Get support for your front and your back. A pregnancy pillow, like the Comfort U, cradles your entire body giving you the support you need on both sides. It's surprising how sore your back can become lying on your side. A hot/cold pack can help to relieve some of this tension.
  
• Make every calorie count. Eat fortified well-balanced foods. I was surprised how little I wanted to eat. I pretty much had to force myself to do it.
• I was warned in the beginning of bedrest that I would experience muscle atrophy.I was very surprised to find that it affected my back pretty severely. A physical therapist recommended several exercises to address both abdominal and back weakness. Her recommendations echo that of the Tupler technique.
  
• Stay positive. When you need to allow yourself time to deal with all of the emotions that come with bedrest. In the end, the journey will be well worth it.