Bed Rest - Modified vs. Strict
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Thu, 06-30-2011 - 12:55pm |
From the beginning of my pregnancy, all of my drs have said that I will most likely be on some form of bed rest and that by 20 weeks I'd probably be on a strict form of it. So far, my directive has been to "take it easy" so that's what I've been doing. I'm mostly on the couch, occasionally do dishes or grocery shop and will drive myself to appts out of necessity, but I'm not doing anything strenuous (lifting laundry, taking the dogs on walks.) I'm 20 weeks today and feel good overall despite occasional back pain (usually helped my changing positions). As of my appt last week doc said to just keep doing what I'm doing because everything has been progressing nicely. I have my full anatomy scan next week which will also be the start of bi-weekly cervical checks, but until then I'm kind of at this weird crossroads of what should I or shouldn't I do? I know doc said to just keep doing what I'm doing but I'm now questioning some things I have lined up. Do I go play Bingo with my mom? (Don't laugh, it's really fun.) Do I keep my RSVP to my friend's wedding in 2 weeks?
Forever Missing Our Angels ~ May 2010 ~ August 2010 ~ October 2010
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---Restricted activity
Some health care providers recommend that women restrict their activities to prevent preterm labor. Bedrest is often advised, despite conflicting research evidence about its effectiveness. While decreasing a hectic schedule may help a pregnant woman to relax, bedrest has not been shown to reduce the rate of preterm birth.---
P.S. Even when I was in the hospital they let me out of bed. I could walk, but if I was leaving the unit I had to be in a wheelchair. I know the last few days before I was in the hospital I had to use the mobility carts when I went to the store. I know some people think that's misuse, but a complicated pregnancy *IS* a medical condition.
I agree with the other ladies. At this time I'd listen to your doctor and your body. If the doctors are telling you to just keep doing what you're doing then that's what I'd do. Definitely listen to your body and your instincts. Stay well hydrated as being dehydrated can be a cause of pre-term labor. If you start to feel tired or funny in any way take it easy, sit down, relax.
FWIW, I was on strict hospital bedrest for 8 weeks with my son (first pregnancy). I wouldn't wish that on anyone. I was allowed up to go to the bathroom & that was it. Three years later and I feel like I'm still trying to recover from all of that but that has been compounded by two more pregnancies where I've been on restricted activity.
Anyway, with my twins I was on restricted activity from the beginning due to my pregnancy history and the fact that no one can explain why things went haywire in my first pregnancy. They would have recommended bedrest even though there is controversy about whether or not it's effective in preventing pre-term labor but they knew I had two little kids to keep up with. The further along I got the more my body let me know what it could or couldn't do. By the time the girls were born I called the day a success if the kids were fed and had their diapers changed. I was so swollen I could hardly move!
ERIN
Above all else guard your heart, for it affects all you do. Proverbs 4:23
Melissa
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I agree that complicated pg is definitely a medical condition, and the thought has crossed my mind to use one of the motorized scooters. I'm not quite there yet, especially since I don't do the shopping much, but I won't feel bad about using one if I do.
Melissa
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I know at the military hospitals they have "Stork Parking" where you can get a permit for special spots when you reach 32 weeks, although when we do make it back to a military hospital (hopefully by 26 weeks) I'll still request one.
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