Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
UI Maternity Care

Bedrest in Pregnancy

"Soothing Your Ride" Guide

Being in the hospital during your pregnancy is some of the hardest work you will ever do. It’s hard to stay happy when you should be out getting ready for a new baby, going to work, or taking care of things at home. You may be worried about your health and your baby’s health. Having to stay in bed can make each day seem the same and become boring, but there are some things you can do to make things go more smoothly:

Plan a Daily Routine:
During the day you should:

• Take a brief shower or bath (if OK with your doctor)
• change into regular clothes if you can
• eat 3 balanced meals and 2 snacks
• Plan 2 activities that make you feel you "got something done" (See "Things to Do" section.)
• Take a short nap
  Having a routine makes the day go more quickly and you will feel better.

Items to have close at Hand:

• 3 to 4 loose gowns or comfortable outfits (sweats or short sets)
• Robe, bra, and underwear
• A pair of non-skid slippers
• Wristwatch
• Pads, pencils, and address book.
• Deodorant, shampoo, makeup, etc.
• A Small mirror
• Hairdryer, brush, and comb
• Favorite magazines, books, puzzles, calendar, and craft projects

Things to Do:

• Small, easy to finish craft items: The activities therapist has some projects and kits available and can visit you on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
• Read: The patient library has all kinds of books and magazines and can bring your choices to your room. Use your hospital stay to finish that book you have always wanted to read.
• Mail: Post your cards from friends on the bulletin board in your room. Catch up on letter writing, especially to people who do not usually receive much mail.
• Keep a journal: Write down your feelings, even if just a word or two each day.
• Music/movies: The patient library has cassette tapes, videos and VCR’s to reserve. Your nurse can provide you with educational videos about birth, pregnancy and premature babies.
• Learn: Your nurse can provide you with books and material about twins, premature babies and more. Please ask.

Family and Friends Can Help:

• Rotate phone calls and letters so your calls and mail come throughout the week. (Aunt Julie calls Tuesday, Mom visits Wednesday, etc.) Your mailing address will be C-44 General Hospital, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242
• Divide child care, running errands, doing laundry, buying groceries among as many people as you can. Sometimes you will feel guilty about accepting or asking for help. Please try to remember you will do the same for others when you are able because you will understand how much the help is needed.

Support systems:

• MOMS: Mothers Offering Mothers Support is a group of volunteers who have been in the hospital during a pregnancy and can be a supportive friend or listener, either in person or by phone.
  • Luncheons: Weekly luncheon meetings allow hospitalized moms to eat together.
• A Social service worker can answer questions about financial resources, child care and offer emotional support.
• Chaplain services can provide a visit, worship services, Holy Communion.
• Hair stylist: Services can be arranged for a fee.
• Ask you nurse about resources for lodging, parking, and laundry service.

Your Other Children:

• We want your children to visit as much as they can during visiting hours (as long as they are not ill and their immunizations are up to date). It’s best to visit in the lobbies, if you can go off the floor or to have an adult present who can take the children off the area if they become restless. (Your roommates’ condition will need to be taken into consideration.) If you can leave your room in a wheelchair but not leave this area, we can arrange for you to visit in Room 418 and 415. For special occasions your family might want to bring in food so you can all eat together.
• Try to talk with your children on the phone. You may want to tape record their favorite books or tapes and send the tape home to them.
• Keep pictures of your children on your table.
• Encourage your children to talk about how they feel.

Helping Us Help You:
We may ask you to keep track of some things for us and will teach you how to do them. These may include:

• Counting contractions
• Counting baby’s movements
• Recording what you drink and/or how much urine you pass
• Signs of illness to watch for:
  We would like to teach you as much as we can about your pregnancy and birth. We have many educational videos and would like to answer any questions or concerns you have.

Emotions:
Your feelings will be on a roller coaster. It’s important to talk about how you feel with family and the nursing staff. Sometimes you are passing a date during which you have lost a baby in a previous pregnancy. Sometimes you are faced with a change in your condition or a new test. And you just wish you could have a "day off." Remember--You are doing a great job and each day in the hospital for you is hopefully one less day in the hospital for your baby!!!

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004