OMG! We did it again?! Is this really happening? were my immediate thoughts after finding out we were pregnant with our second little babe.
My husband and I were elated. Granted, we were nervous, having had a miscarriage the year prior, but (that is a story for a different time) nonetheless, we were optimistic and positive despite the series of events that were about to take place. The last thing on my mind was that I would end up on bed rest, let alone be in the hospital for 4 weeks!
Yea… My thoughts exactly.
The initial plan I envisioned was to stay healthy and active through the pregnancy. I would not say I was less active with my first, but I did go into preterm labor at around 35 weeks. This time around, I had a few extra pounds that I had been trying to lose for my wedding and had recently started a ketogenetic lifestyle. At 8 weeks, my doctor recommended that I seek a Perinatologist (a high-risk obstetrician specializing in maternal-fetal medicine) to start off on weekly progesterone injections that would help prevent preterm labor beginning at 18 weeks.
I ended up having to go to the emergency room at around 12 weeks since I experienced bleeding and the passing of a blot clot. Thankfully after some testing and an ultrasound, they found my baby and his heartbeat. I never felt more relieved. The doctor’s recommended that I refrain from my usual activities such as limit my walking, work duties, house chores, to protect both me and my baby.
What did this mean exactly? Absolutely NO heavy lifting and “light duties “assigned at work. “Let your husband take care of it” was the hardest piece of advice to follow since he was doing so much for our family already. But I followed the doc’s orders and at 18 weeks I started my weekly injections, along with bi-weekly ultrasounds and measurements.
Nothing could have prepared me for what happened next… fast forward to 30 weeks, and at my bi-weekly appointment, the ultrasound tech noticed my cervical length had shortened significantly. I spoke with my obstetrician and was instructed to go to the hospital, directly to labor and delivery to monitor my contractions (apparently, I was going into labor without any pain, and the only indicators being my cervical length and 2cm dilation). I was transported to another hospital more suited to handle preemie’s born before 34 weeks (also, my high-risk doctor worked at this hospital and requested my transfer).
I spent two days in labor and delivery before being moved to the maternity ward, where I met the wonderful nurses & doctors that took care of me for 4 weeks. So, here I am, 30 weeks pregnant on restricted bed rest in the hospital. It took some serious work and self-motivation every single day! I would not have found the strength to go on without the support of my husband, my family, and my best friend. Despite being scared to my core and hearing the doctors and nurses tell me the baby was coming, and I would not be leaving the hospital until I gave birth, I remained positive and optimistic. Optimistic that if I had our baby right then and there, things would be exactly how they were meant to be.
Being at the hospital on bed rest means no standing, showering, or walking. No walking meant, not even to the bathroom! What was I going to do? Having to use a bedpan, no showering or washing your hair or brushing your teeth at a sink, really played a number on me. This puts things into a different perspective. Luckily, I had my hospital bag semi packed, and I asked my dear husband to pick up a few things that made a living at the hospital for 5 weeks bearable.
Hygiene Products
First up, bath wipes! I did not even know these were a thing, but after asking at the hospital and some research, I came across Sage bath wipes. These came in clutch when I wanted to wash up in the morning. The nurses would bring me a basin with warm water and a towel. I would use the wipes to freshen up, rinse off with warm water, any brand shower gel (I used Dove moisturizing body wash), and a washcloth.
Next, travel size items like deodorant, toothpaste, and mouth wash. I would also use facial cleansing sheets to keep my face refreshed; I liked using Burt’s bees facial towelettes. The next item on the list would be an intensive body and face moisturizer; the brand I used was Cetaphil. Finally, to keep my lips moisturized, I used Vaseline lip therapy; it is my absolute fav! All these items helped minimize some of the discomforts I was experiencing.
For my hair, I used SheaMoisture coconut oil leave-in conditioner and a spray bottle with water, and a comb, to get my knots out. I kept my hair tidy by twisting it, or you can braid it, so it does not get too tangled since you are in bed all day. Because I had to use the bedpan and was on strict bed rest, I asked for a hand-sanitizer. It’s always good to have some antibacterial hand sanitizer, not that it beats washing your hands, but it got the job done in the meantime.
Snacks
Pink Stork tea not only does tea have calming and relaxing effects, this one just so happens to help with bowel movements since I was significantly less active, so were my bowels (I know TMI, ha-ha.) Snacks to keep nearby like popcorn, trail mix, water, and fruit when hunger strikes and no one is home. Because I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I had a few sugar free treats like Choc-Zero (so good even when you’re not watching your sugar intake!).
Aromatherapy
Bed rest not only puts a strain on your body physically but mentally; being away from my family and friends only made it easier for some depression to creep in. I tried to find ways to keep myself calm and just take my mind off my current reality. Some feel-good products that helped ease some of my stress were diffusers with some essential oils to help calm any anxieties. Having a Himalayan salt lamp next to me also helped to keep me in my element. You will be surprised at its soothing effects; there are so many different kinds out there. You can check them out on Amazon.com
Before I knew it, I made it to 34 weeks! My high-risk doctor gave me the okay to transition to bed rest at home (this was one of the happiest moments for me in the 3rd trimester). By this point, any hospital would be okay for me to deliver our baby safely, so home I went!
Support
My family often visited, every other day, I would say. My husband would bring our daughter after school almost every day, and my best friend would pop in every now and then. I must admit that without my husband and family’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to keep myself as positive and calm as I did. It wasn’t always a happy day, I had tough moments, but I did a lot of reading, meditating, and getting to know the wonderful nurses that took such good care of me. I am forever grateful!
I hope this post helps another mama or mama-to-be, that may be experiencing the same or have been told they need to go on bed rest. I’m here to tell you to remain positive. You can get through this! Have hope, stay focused, and know that you got this humble mama!
Humble Mama 