Coping with Bedrest

If you are at risk of premature delivery, you may be advised to go on bedrest. This can vary from modified bedrest where you spend most of your day resting, but can get up for meals and potter around the house, to strict bedrest where you are not even allowed to go to the bathroom and you may be inclined with your feet higher than your abdomen. You may be allowed to stay at home, or need to be monitored closely at your hospital.

You may download our publication 'Hope - A guide to surviving bed-rest' here. This booklet includes stories of hope and ideas for surviving bedrest which are also detailed below.

Bed-rest is hard! All of a sudden you are no longer able to work or care for your family. Your pride has to be swallowed. You may find it difficult to concentrate. After a couple of weeks, your muscles will start to weaken, you may feel dizzy if you stand for too long, your fitness will disappear. All the while you are concerned about your unborn baby's health.

Without adequate support and coping mechanisms you may feel like your world is crumbling around you. This booklet is about giving you some ideas to make your journey easier. It is also a source of hope with some inspirational stories sharing some of WA’s own tiny sparks. My youngest son Blake is included here.

On behalf of Tiny Sparks WA and the community supporting us, we wish you the best of luck in the remainder of your pregnancy. You are amazing!

1.   Understand your medical condition

It may be that you have never heard of your condition before or if you have, you don't know much about it. As the old saying goes "knowledge is power". The more you understand about your medical condition, the more you will understand the symptoms you are experiencing. Ask your doctor for resources on your particular condition, and remember, you should always call your doctor if you have any concerns. You may wish to keep a notepad to jot down any questions you may have.

Understand exactly what you are, and are not allowed to do. Whether you are allowed to shower, go to the toilet, eat at the dining table or sit upright. Whether you can continue to work. Whether you can walk from the car to your doctor's office or need a wheelchair.

Ask your doctor how to avoid deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The use of compression stockings or doing ankle and leg exercises may be advised. Please ensure that you don't undertake any exercise unless directed by your doctor.

2.   Get comfortable

You may be on bed-rest for a while, so it is essential that you get comfortable.

• Get a u-shaped pillow to rest on if you can sit inclined.

• Put a chair in the shower if you are allowed shower privileges.

• Ensure your phone/iPad/laptop are in easy reach so you can keep connected with the outside world.

• Consider getting a tilt table that can be used in bed when eating meals and as a laptop table.

• If you are at home and going to be alone during the day, make sure someone has made lunch for you and left plenty of bottles of water within reach.

• Plan your entertainment for the day and make sure the TV remote, magazines and/or books are in easy reach.

3.   Support networks

Seek support from friends and family

Don't be afraid to ask for help from your family or close network of friends. From cleaning the house, doing the school run, making the children’s lunches, doing the laundry, helping out with the household accounts, making some meals to pop in the freezer, it all helps. Consider getting groceries delivered to your home when there is a support person with you who can help put away the groceries.

Online support

There are a myriad of online chatrooms and Facebook groups that offer support. If you find a great group of women going through bed-rest at the same time as you, with the same condition, it may be your key to feeling like you're not alone. However, be mindful of how much information you share about yourself online.

Tiny Sparks WA runs a Facebook support group for high-risk pregnancies. Head to ‘Tiny Sparks WA High-Risk Pregnancy Support Group’ and request to join.  Please note: Membership of this group is subject to approval by one of the Administrators, a Tiny Sparks WA volunteer. If you are not added by an existing member, you will receive a private message requesting you to provide background as to why you wish to join. Please check your 'Other Messages' folder and respond as soon as is practicable.

Have a support person on stand-by

In case of an emergency visit to the doctors or hospital, have a list of family and friends you can call to take you, or care for your other children. You may want to have a hospital bag packed for emergency hospital admissions or at least have a list of items to help the support person pack for you.

Other support

If you don't have a support network, give us a call or speak to your midwife, doctor, or the social worker at your local hospital. 

4.   Friends and family

Communicating your condition

Have a think about how much of your condition you want to share with your friends and family. Some people may be more understanding than others. Whilst some may be confronted by what you are going through and not keen to listen, others may appreciate you opening up and better understand your emotions if you explain to them what you are going through.

Be prepared for negativity

You will get all sorts of comments from people you come across, from "I wish I could spend a day in bed right now" to "Aren't you lucky you didn't have to sit through the school assembly tonight". Know that they are often saying these things because they don't know what else to say. Don't take it personally.

Visiting hours

If you have friends and family wanting to visit, pick your times when you think you might want company and schedule them in. There will be days when you are simply not up to visitors. Do not feel guilty about calling them and postponing your visit. They will understand. If you are up for a visit, get them to bring their own food and drinks (and some for you too!). There should be no expectation that you are entertaining. 

5.   Your other children

If you already have children that you care for, you will need to consider how you can best support them practically and emotionally. They may be too young to understand that your baby is at risk, but they will understand that for a little while Mummy won't be able to play with them like she used to or go to their school concerts etc.

To support them practically

• Arrange a schedule of school/daycare pickups and drop-offs among your friends and family.

• Get someone to make lunches for them (or if they are old enough - encourage them to do this for themselves).

To support them emotionally

• Have a stack of books to read to them.

• Give them lots of cuddles.

• Get them to do their homework in bed next to you.

• Ask them to help you by bringing you something small like a glass of water.

Keep in contact with their teachers/carers so that they are well supported at school/daycare and if you feel they are struggling with you not being able to be a 'normal mum', speak to the school counselor, daycare supervisor or your doctor. 

If you have a child/children in day care you may be eligible for an Additional Child Care Subsidy.  More information can be found on our blog post dedicated to this topic.

6.   Consider your finances

Bed-rest doesn't come without financial impact for mum's who are working.

• Discuss your options with your employer. Maybe you could telecommute, use accrued leave or start maternity leave.

• Consider how you might reduce your financial burden.

• Research what government assistance is available.

7.   Emotions

Keep a diary

It's normal to feel anxious about your situation and there will be days when you need to vent! When you feel like no-one wants to listen, write it down.

Countdown

Counting down the days, weeks and months can give you a sense of purpose. Each milestone you meet, have a little celebration. Reaching viability, 26 weeks, 28 weeks etc.

Occupational therapy

Occupational Therapy can be either informal projects you’ve developed yourself, or sessions run by your local hospital. Consider:

• Reading.

• Sorting your digital photos.

• Knitting or crocheting a beautiful outfit for your baby.

• Shopping online (but be mindful of that credit card statement!)

• Downloading and watching that series on TV you’ve always meant to get around to seeing.

• Do not be upset with yourself if you are unable to concentrate on any of these tasks. It is quite normal.

8.   Be prepared for the future

Whatever your circumstance, learning about the different paths your pregnancy may lead to, can better prepare you for any outcome.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) & Special Care Nursery (SCN)

If you expect your baby to be born preterm, or sick, you may want to learn about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and various equipment used. In Western Australia, the largest NICU (Level 3 Nursery) is at King Edward Memorial Hospital with a smaller unit at The Children’s Hospital.

There are a number of Special Care Nurseries (also known as Level 2 nurseries) across the state that provide for babies who need some help to get home. You can find a list of hospitals providing Level 2 care on our website.

Loss

If you have yet to reach viability, your thoughts may wander to the possibility of loss. You may want to consider whether you wish to hold your baby, name your baby or hold a funeral. SIDS and Kids provides professional counseling in this area. Heartfelt is an Australian based not for profit organization with volunteers who will take photographs of your stillborn, or enhance your own photos for free.

Coming off bed-rest

After weeks and possibly months lying on your back, you will need to be gentle with yourself. You may feel dizzy when you first get up and only be able to walk a short distance. If you spend too much time on your feet, your ankles may swell and bruise. Seek advice from your doctor and hospital physiotherapist for guidance on appropriate exercises/therapy. And remember to ask for help.