Powerful Physical Therapy

Powerful Physical Therapy

4 Survival Tips For Moms-To-Be During Hospital Bedrest

by Clifford Ramos

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:

  • Wake-up. Waking up at the same time every day is the first step to any successful routine. You can use an alarm clock, if allowed, or perhaps the hospital has a wake-up call system in place. Work with your care staff to set a good time for waking up each day.
  • Meal times. Meal times are typically set by the hospital and they fall within the same general window every day. Find these out at the beginning of your stay so you can build a schedule around them.
  • Care visits. You can't schedule in every care visit you will receive throughout the day. For example, your doctor will stop by when their schedule permits. You may have some control over other forms of care, though. For example, hygiene visits, such as bathing, can sometimes be scheduled in advance so you set them up for the same time daily. Or, your spouse may have permission to help you with sponge baths or bathing, which gives you complete control of when they occur.
  • Visitation times. Ask your friends and family to visit you at specific times. Not only does this provide a routine, it gives you something to look forward to.

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).


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About Me

Powerful Physical Therapy

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.