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With a multiple pregnancy there can be increased risks of complications involved. Because of the increase to the risk of these complications, there are many women pregnant with multiples that end up on bedrest at some stage throughout their pregnancy. Bedrest can be prescribed to alleviate a health risk to the mother such as preeclampsia or to reduce complications for the babies, such as preterm labour. Some doctors will prescribe a level of bedrest to women pregnant with multiples after 24 weeks to help control the risks surrounding preterm labour, whilst others will take a wait and see approach and only prescribe the bedrest once there are reasons behind it.
Thankfully, there are many women who make it through their pregnancies without needing bedrest and are able to continue their day to day activities.
What does bedrest accomplish?
Bedrest works in a number of ways to help prevent complications throughout pregnancy.
It is said that the gravity used through laying down helps to reduce the risk and side effects of different medical conditions and that is why doctors prescribe it throughout pregnancy.
Another reason that bedrest is prescribed throughout pregnancy is because it gives the mother a chance to lay back and relax. Not having to worry about her day to day activities means that there is less stress on her and her body. Stress can cause a lot of issues to your health and it is important whilst pregnant to reduce your stress levels as much as possible.
What does bedrest mean?
Bedrest can range in the degree and it is best to follow the recommendations of your doctor. Some people may require hospitalisation during their bedrest so that they can be closely monitored by their medical team whilst others may be able to continue their bedrest in the comfort of their own home.
You may be requested to be on full bedrest or you may be requested to limit your day to day activities and spend majority of your time in a resting position.
How do I cope?
It will be a big change to your lifestyle whilst you are on bedrest. You will not be able to complete your day to day activities and you will need to enlist the help of family and friends in order to help get things done. You may need someone to help with school pick up and drop off, someone to help with the housework or simply to have someone come over to chat and keep you from going insane from being in bed all day.
Invest in a few good books, sign up for Netflix or take up a new hobby that you can do from your bed to help you pass the time. You may be put on bedrest for a number of weeks or right up until your delivery date. Either way you will have a lot of time to try and pass. It is best to keep as distracted as possible and keep yourself from overthinking anything and causing yourself extra stress.
Bedrest is only recommended and prescribed when the doctors feel that it is in the best interest for you and your babies. When it is recommended, take the doctors advice in full and do as they say – they are doing this for your health.
As stressful as it may sound and it may seem impossible to be able to able to lay there for weeks on end but it will all be worth it in the end when you get to hold your health, little ones.
Take the time as a chance to catch up on your reading, find yourself again and get as much sleep as you can – you are going to need it!
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