How To Make The Most Out Of Bed Rest

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF BED REST

Some pregnancies are considered high-risk, and require not just the usual rest but full bed rest and round-the-clock monitoring of proper food intake and vitamin supplements.  And since you only want what’s best for the child in your womb, you take pains to listen to your OB/Gyn when she requests you to rest fully.

I experienced being told by my OB/Gyn to take full bed rest for many months during my pregnancy.  And for someone who’s been so used to being active, it was quite an adjustment.  But when I look back now on those days when I had to fully focus on listening to my pregnant body and just allowing my thoughts to revolve around positivity and staying in a stress-free environment, I smile and give thanks for such a time.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can make the most of bed rest, if you happen to share what I went through, being advised by your OB/GYN to take it easy and rest completely in bed:

• Start or continue a diary / pregnancy journal

Whether you decide to create a blog online and share it with the rest of the worldwide web or just spill your thoughts just for your own personal consumption, the objective here is release.  Pregnancy presents a broad spectrum of haywire emotions and hormones, making you feel vulnerable about yourself and your body.  Sharing these emotions and thoughts are therapeutic and relaxing.

If you still love the feel of paper and using pens like I do (yes, I still keep a stash of pretty hard-bound notebooks and journals), try getting those pretty and handy diaries that have plain white paper on them.  You can make it an art journal, using different colored gel pens and just sketch or scribble or go crazy with any doodles or designs that come to mind.

Or you can be more organized and use a pregnancy journal to write letters to your unborn baby.  You’re penning your thoughts and feelings while preserving a piece of history (chronicles of your pregnant journey) for your child that you can give to him or her as a gift years from now.  I have to say I was thankful I took time to write to my child while she was in my womb.  I wrote to her the day I gave birth to her, and I can’t wait to get all creative in presenting that diary to her as a gift some day.  Rereading my thoughts about that precious day still brings tears to my eyes.

• Organize photos you haven’t had the chance to fix

This is a good time to start slipping all those developed rolls of film (or in this case and time, those photos developed from your hard disk storage or ones saved on CDs you’ve been meaning to organize) into neat photo albums.

Prop yourself up on the bed and have a field day looking through photos and putting them into designated albums.  Enjoy writing captions and after this task is done, you’ll be able to enjoy sharing them with family and friends who visit you.  Keep your space clutter-free by making sure that all your precious photographs (and if you’re using a scrapbook, of course don’t forget mementos like tickets, memorabilia, etc.) intact and well- preserved.

• Watch old movies or movies you’ve been meaning to see that are now available on DVD

I’m totally against piracy. Original DVDs of old and recently-shown movies are now more reasonably priced and cost-friendly, so take time to get original copies or borrow original copies from friends and family and have a marathon in your bedroom.  Relax in your private, air-conditioned or well-ventilated space, with your favorite healthy snacks.  When your eyes feel tired, switch the video player off and snooze to your heart’s content.

• Sleep!

I will always remember the advice my Mom gave me…SLEEP WHEN YOU WANT TO, WHEN YOU CAN.  Now I realize why.  With the baby out of my tummy, I now only get to truly enjoy some “quiet time” and relaxed naps when my daughter is napping.  Sleep during pregnancy is a good way to rejuvenate and relax your tired, achy muscles.  Be sure to wiggle your feet or stretch your legs even while resting, to avoid blood clots brought about by long periods of sitting or lying down.

• Read, read, read!

Nothing like still being able to soak up information and keep your mind alert through reading.  There are so many wonderful books available in bookstores, booksales (have your husband or bestfriend pick up book titles you’ve been meaning to check out) and e-books and hardbound copies sold online.

I have to say I had a field day just enjoying the numerous books I collected over the years but never had the chance to read.  Feel free to check out the BOOKS section on this website for suggested titles.

• Catch up on your correspondence

Remember all those relatives and friends you’ve been hoping to catch up with but had gotten too busy to contact?  Now is a good time to chat up a storm with family and friends, whether it’s a fun phone conversation or a chat conference with college girlfriends who are excited for the birth of your child.

It’s also a good time to write letters (whether you’re old school like me, still all excited about stationery and the right pen or via email).

• Get creative!

One of my favorite books is “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron.  This book is such an investment, and jam-packed with ideas on how to unleash your inner artist, encouraging insights on what you can do to channel your creativity.  Whether it’s sketching, painting, writing, coming up with ideas to make your home look beautiful, there’s always an avenue to make everything new and different.  See everything through rose-colored glasses and derive inspiration from even the simplest things.  You’re bound to create something you’ll be proud of.  You need not overextend or push yourself too far, you can create something even while you’re relaxing.

Bed rest need not be a drag.  Bed rest can be the time for yourself you’ve been hoping for. Make the most of the time you can to rest and fully nourish your body while waiting for your precious one to arrive.

(Photo Credits: http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/12982880/2/istockphoto_12982880-stress-at-the-pregnant-woman.jpg)

One Response to “How To Make The Most Out Of Bed Rest”

1. hudolejev says:

   July 14, 2010 at 1:07 am

   I want to quote your post in my blog. It can?
   And you et an account on Twitter?