Although hospitals are places of healing, they aren't necessarily the most relaxing places to be. It can be even more stressful when you are pregnant, uncomfortable, and on hospital bedrest. Just like it sounds, hospital bedrest is when you must stay in the hospital until delivery because your pregnancy has become extremely high risk. Rest is important during this time, despite the difficulties. The following tips can help you survive – and thrive – during bedrest.
Tip #1: Create a Routine
Chances are you are fully confined to the bed for this period. Even so, it is vital that you set a routine and create a sense of normalcy. Create a set time for the following activities:
Tip #2: Enjoy a Hobby
If you already have a quiet hobby, make sure you have plenty of supplies to enjoy it while you are on hospital bedrest. Knitting, reading, journaling, and sketching are just a few hobbies that work well in a hospital. This can also be a good time to learn a new hobby, such as crochet. If you aren't sure about self-teaching, find an instructor that will visit you in the hospital. Some hospitals may even have activity directors that can connect you with instructors or materials for a new hobby.
Tip #3: Stay Connected
Most hospitals offer free internet for patients, so there is no need to feel cut off from society during your bedrest. Make sure you have access to a tablet or laptop. You can connect with online support groups of other women who are also on hospital bedrest. Sometimes, talking with others going through the same thing as you can help you feel less alone.
Tip #4: Make It Homey
Flowers, a favorite piece of artwork, and a pretty coverlet can help mute the institutional feel of your hospital room. Many hospitals give expectant mothers on hospital bedrest some freedom to decorate their room since they will be there for several weeks. It may also help you sleep to provide your own comfy pillows, if this is allowed. You will also be allowed to wear your own pajamas, so choose something that makes you feel happy instead of going with drab hospital style gowns.
If you need more information, contact a medical facility like Peninsula Community Health Services- Medical (Cottonwood).
I was badly injured a year ago, and it took a long time to get back to my normal level of ability. One of the things that helped more than anything was the time that I spent in physical therapy. I didn’t always love going to physical therapy – in fact, sometimes, I really didn’t enjoy it at all. But ultimately, the therapists and other patients I worked with helped inspire me to get better, and the exercises facilitated my healing process. I started this blog to talk about all of the things I learned about physical therapy and healing during my recovery time. I hope my blog reaches other accident victims. I want to offer encouragement, hope, and information for people who are in the same boat that I was in.