KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - How to cope when you're prescribed bed rest

How to cope when you're prescribed bed rest

Bed rest is sometimes prescribed during pregnancy. It may be suggested to help prevent preterm birth or treat other complications. © iStockphoto.com/Jacob Wackerhausen Bed rest is sometimes prescribed during pregnancy. It may be suggested to help prevent preterm birth or treat other complications. © iStockphoto.com/Jacob Wackerhausen

  • Wendy Damonte's Health Watch Reports

  •     

  • Monday, May 21 2012 3:14 PM EDT2012-05-21 19:14:30 GMT
    From the University of Nevada School of Medicine: University of Nevada School of Medicine physicians have teamed up with local doctors to offer low-cost sports participation physicals for high school
    UNR School of Medicine physicians along with local doctors will offer low-cost sports physicals for high school athletes Tuesday.

  • Thursday, May 17 2012 7:23 PM EDT2012-05-17 23:23:56 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News The Pearson family was established 2006 when Keith and Amy sealed their love with a Genoa wedding. Their song, You Are My Sunshine, was how they saw each other. By 2009
    Esophageal cancer is the fastest growing cancer diagnosis in the country. As one family found out, symptoms often times don't show up until it's too late.

  • Wednesday, May 16 2012 7:37 PM EDT2012-05-16 23:37:01 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Cooling off in a swimming pool is one of spring and summer's great joys. But sometimes, running around at the pool creates severe injuries. 13-year-old Joey Rubin found that
    Swimming season is upon us. While most of the safety precautions center around the risk of drowning, other pool injuries put people at serious risk, too.

  • Tuesday, May 15 2012 8:38 PM EDT2012-05-16 00:38:10 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News 22 month old Morgan Sherrill has a chipped tooth. Jackie Sherrill is her mom. "She reached for me and fell forward and hit her face on the ottoman in front of the couch
    Practically all young children use bottles, sippy cups or pacifiers, but they may not be as safe as parents think. And kids are ending up in the ER.

  • Friday, May 11 2012 7:20 PM EDT2012-05-11 23:20:44 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Research shows the drug Truvada can prevent the spread of HIV in high risk people. A recent three year study found the pill cut the risk of infection over 90 percent in
    An FDA panel is recommending the agency approve the first drug to prevent HIV in healthy people.

  • Thursday, May 10 2012 7:38 PM EDT2012-05-10 23:38:22 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Sandra Borras' life is about to change. She hoping after a 45 minute procedure she will finally be able to get a full night sleep and work in her yard. "I like to do yard
    Acid reflux can do serious damage, from causing ulcers to cancer. So getting it under control is critical. 

  • Wednesday, May 9 2012 7:35 PM EDT2012-05-09 23:35:10 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News If you want to help people battling cancer, this Mother's Day is the day to do it. Moms on the Run is this Sunday. Online registration closes today. After that, you can
    A fun run is taking place this Sunday. And it's not just fun but it also helps local cancer victims.

  • Tuesday, May 8 2012 7:08 PM EDT2012-05-08 23:08:46 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News In a dark room is a bright spot in the battle against breast cancer. Sono Cine is now available at the Renown Breast Health Center. And it's helping women who have dense
    If you have dense breasts, you're at greater risk for breast cancer. Now Renown is offering a new screening option in conjunction with a mammogram.  

  • Monday, May 7 2012 7:25 PM EDT2012-05-07 23:25:48 GMT
    Wendy Damonte Channel 2 News Arthur Chill is devoted to his new bedtime routine. "Place the device in your nostril, and just press down with the adhesive." In a matter of seconds, he tapes two tiny
    Sleep apnea not only leaves you feeling tired, it also increases your risk of cardiovascular disease. Now there's another option for sufferers.

By Jenilee Matz, M.P.H., Staff Writer, myOptumHealth

Content provided by

A prescription to lie in bed may seem like a dream come true. But bed rest during pregnancy can be anything but relaxing. Evenings out with friends, grocery shopping and cooking may be put on hold until your baby is born.

What is bed rest?

Bed rest is sometimes prescribed during pregnancy. It may be suggested to help prevent preterm birth or treat other complications.

There are different degrees of bed rest. Your doctor may order a few hours of bed rest per day or prescribe complete bed rest. Sometimes, your doctor will require bed rest in the hospital. Your doctor will let you know how much activity you're allowed to do. Be sure to ask exactly what you can and can't do while on bed rest.

No matter what type of bed rest you are prescribed, it's important that you listen to your doctor. Bed rest may be what's best for both you and your unborn baby.

Why you may be prescribed bed rest

If you experience any of the following conditions during pregnancy, your doctor may order bed rest:

  • Premature labor
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Premature rupture of membranes
  • Problems with the cervix or placenta
  • High blood pressure, preeclampsia or eclampsia
  • Pregnant with multiples
  • Gestational diabetes

Experts are not sure of the benefit of bed rest on premature labor, though it is still often prescribed for this. More research is needed.

How to cope

Many women struggle to cope with bed rest. With good reason, too. You may be unable to work, exercise, cook or do other things that make you feel like you, until the baby is born.

Keep in mind that this situation is temporary. And it's what's best for your baby's health. These eight tips may make your bed rest experience more pleasant:

  1. Get support. Consider joining an online support group to connect with other women on bed rest. Ask friends and family to visit you each day. They can bring you food, movies or reading material or just keep you company.
  2. Have a routine. Time will pass more quickly if you have a set schedule. Wake up around the same time each morning, wash up (if you can), eat breakfast and start your day. Have an agenda for the day. For example, always eat lunch at noon or make phone calls at a set time.
  3. Stay connected. Use a phone, MP3 player, computer with Internet and a TV for entertainment purposes and to connect with others. You can still talk to your friends and family and stay up-to-date on the latest news.
  4. Catch up. Between working, prenatal doctor appointments and being a wife or partner, friend and expectant mother, something has likely slipped by the wayside. Use this time to get your finances in order, organize your recipe box or catch up with people you don't talk to as often as you'd like. Write letters or keep a journal, scrapbook or learn to knit.
  5. Prepare for your baby. Use the Internet to order baby items such as diapers, bottles and clothes. Read up on tips in parenting magazines or check out myoptumhealth.com's parenting hub and children's health hub. If you're at risk for or know your baby will have a medical complication, do your research. Learning more about a condition will make you feel better equipped to manage it once your child is here.
  6. Keep things accessible. Try to set up near a bathroom, keep the phone and TV remote close, and stock healthy snacks and water nearby. Make sure all the objects you need during the day are within your reach.
  7. Request to work from home. Ask if you can do your job from home, even if it's part time. Working will not only help financially, but may also help you deal with bed rest better. You will feel needed and time will pass more quickly.
  8. Ask for help. Ask friends or family or hire someone to help with household chores, child and pet care. You may feel reassured knowing your house is tidy. Bed rest is especially challenging when you already have a child at home. Having someone care for your child will get rid of some of your stress.

Also, ask your doctor about massage to ease muscle aches and discomfort. Ask about physical therapy to help you maintain your muscle strength, joint flexibility and improve blood circulation. A physical therapist may also be able to help you learn comfortable ways to position yourself in bed.

View the original How to cope when you're prescribed bed rest article on myOptumHealth.com 

SOURCES:

  • Maloni JA, Kutil RM. Antepartum support group for women hospitalized on bed rest. MCN. The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing. 2000;25(4):204-210.
  • Case Western Reserve University. All you ever wanted to know about pregnancy bedrest: coping with day to day issues. Accessed: 06/30/2009
  • American Pregnancy Association. Bed rest. Accessed: 06/30/2009
  • Fox NS, Gelber SE, Kalish RB, Chasen ST. The recommendation for bed rest in the setting of arrested preterm labor and premature rupture of membranes. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2009;200(2):165.e1-e6. Accessed: 06/30/2009
  • National High Risk Pregnancy Support Network. Sidelines frequently asked questions. Accessed: 07/01/2009
Content provided by:
These Web sites are for your informational use only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. Also consult your healthcare provider before starting any medications or supplements or beginning or modifying any exercise program.

© 2012 OptumHealth, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of information on this page may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the written permission of OptumHealth, Inc.

Powered by WorldNow
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and Sarkes Tarzian, Inc. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. EEO Report Forms: A, C, H. Organizations can request to be notified of all KTVN job openings. Please click here.