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High-Risk Pregnancy
Bedrest Mama's Daily Check-In***Monday
This thread is for any and all mamas on bedrest, in any form. We are stuck home or in the hospital, in a bed or on our couches, and could use the support of each other to make it through this time in order to get to a healthy baby! We all know how hard bedrest is and we wish everyone a healthy pregnancy!!!! Anyone is welcome to join, and anyone can start this daily thread. Just copy and paste this paragraph and info lines below if you get here and the thread has yet to start for that day!
Name - Michelle
Due Date - 4/20
Date Placed on Bedrest - at 14wks
Type - modified bedrest at home
Why - herniated disks in back/now contractions!
Question of the Day - What does your bedrest mean for you...I've noticed that strict/modified really means different things for everyone. So what's your situtaion?
Answer- I consider mine modified bedrest, but since having the contractions, it's become more strict. I still have the same restrictions, I'm just more careful about them because now it's not just bad for me, but dangerous for Olivia. Basicially, since 14wks I haven't been allowed to work or be on my feet for more than 10min at a time. No lifting at all and minimizing things like showering, steps, ect.
Updates- It's been one of those days...poor DH had to deal with a mopey wife. I've had a migrane all day and Olivia was super active and kept kicking my bladder. It would hurt like heck and I'm sick of running to pee. Not too many contractions today though, as long as I stay reclined. Tried sitting at the kitchen table to help DH fill out some paperwork (we might be buying a restaurant!) and the contractions started right away. Went to reclining on the couch and they got better....tried sitting up and bam, they were back. Nothing to crazy, but I like to stay ahead of it. Makes me nervous, ya know? And yes, you read it right..DH and I are in the process of applying for a loan to buy a restaurant. This would mean we'd put our house on the market and move 1 1/2 hours into a different state, hire and train workers and get it back into shape. It is an existing place, but we'd want to do some cleaning and changes. And all before Livy is born....crazy huh? I think I'm losing my mind, but what can ya do?
**Hope everyone is doing well today...makes me nervous when I come on this late and nobody is here. Maybe you all are having too much fun to bump! :-)
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Bedrest Mama's Daily Check-In***Monday
Name - Lauren
Due Date - 3/23
Date Placed on Bedrest - modifie bedrest all 1st tri, back on 1/4
Type - strict hospital bedrest
Why - IUGR
Question of the Day - What does your bedrest mean for you...I've noticed that strict/modified really means different things for everyone. So what's your situtaion?
Answer- I am strict hospital bedrest which for me means--I'm only allowed out of bed and upright to go to the bathroom and for quick showers. When in bed I need to be laying on my left side--I cheat sometimes a little and will sit w/ just my right hip propped up w/ a pillow under it which they seem to be okay with, this bedrest also includes 2 NST's a day, 2-3 ultrasounds a week to check amniotic fluid, doppler flow and BPP's are done as well
Updates- I've been having one of those days too--Ive noticed I can handle bedrest pretty well but when I am in pain like I have been all day I get much more mopey--thanks to everyone for the kind words from my mommy guilt post below--I have really been reliant on my prayer life and relationship w/ God to get me through this experience w/ a good attitude but sometimes I forget that I can pray about just being uncomfortable--I am still in pain now, the dr's are thinking its stretching scar tissue and maybe that my muscles have separated which there isnt anything they can do--so I suppose I will be in pain until...who knows when but knowing there isnt anything I can do helps me accept things a little faster and on the plus side Ive been putting my Bradley method of pain management (what we were going to use for an unmedicated childbirth) to good use, using relaxation and meditation to help w/ the pain
**Michelle--girl, you are nuts! I cant imagine taking on an endeavour like a new restaurant but at the same time that is SO EXCITING! I love sitting down w/ DH just talking about future plans and everything we could do (like right before our house) so Im sure talking about restaurant stuff is a nice distraction--let us know what you guys end up doing!
**Has anyone heard from Annie? I know she had her 1st high risk ob appt this afternoon, I'm wondering how it went?
ETA: i forgot to add that they do let me go for a wheelchair ride in the evenings just to maintain my sanity so I am allowed to be upright (hip propped up w/ a pillow so there is still more flow to the left side)
Hey Lauren...I'm sorry you are in so much pain today. Is there anything they can give you or would if affect buddy too much? I'm just wondering because they have me on Lortabs and Livy seems to be doing fine with them. The scary part will be when they have to take me off them to give birth....maybe because they are thinking buddy may come sooner, they don't want to? Anyways, keep up on the Bradley method. I use it a lot too and it is a lifesaver.
Annie posted on 3rd tri a bit ago. She had a total bummer of an appt. Turns out the doc wasn't even there, just a NP so she didn't get any info. Her BP was still up there and she has to collect pee for 24 hours and turn that in. Has another appt on Wed with a doc. Sounded very frustrated and dissapointed. Could surely use some prayers right about now!
Name - Laura
Due Date - 6/5
Date Placed on Bedrest - 1/15 at 20 weeks
Type - modified bedrest at home
Why - short cervix
Question of the Day - What does your bedrest mean for you...I've noticed that strict/modified really means different things for everyone. So what's your situtaion?
Answer- I consider this modified bed rest. I'm not really sure, though. My peri said to pretend I'm a 90 year old woman with osteoarthrosis. If it's too much for her to handle, then it's too much for me to handle. I can shower once a day, use the bathroom, and eat meals at the table. Otherwise I'm in bed or reclining. They said not to sit at 90 degrees. I do make myself a quick breakfast and lunch since DH is at work, and I let my dog outside now and again. Otherwise, I'm sticking to what they say.
Updates: Not too much going on here. The weekend went by fast with DH home to keep me company. I've read in other posts that most bedrest mamas prefer weekdays..? Not sure why. My weekend flew by. Maybe that will change. I started doing some work from home today. It kept me busy and today went by fast too. Here's to hoping the rest of bedrest goes by fast too!!!
Michelle- A restaurant! That's so awesome. What kind of food is it? Is it a more fancy place, or casual? What an exciting venture. Congrats!
Name - Laura
Due Date - 2/26
Date Placed on Bedrest - at 35 weeks (last friday)
Type - hospital
Why - mild protein in urine, mildly low platelets
Question of the Day - What does your bedrest mean for you...I've noticed that strict/modified really means different things for everyone. So what's your situation?
Answer- It means being in the hospital because I have super conservative Drs--and that I miss my husband and son so much! I want to go home and monitor at home!!!
OK, Lauren, now I feel like the biggest dumb-a@@ in the whole world. I just scrolled down and read your guilt post and realize that my post on here was not the least bit helpful to you. But maybe me explaining where I'm at will.
So, I'm with you in the whole med-free birth/healthy baby thing. I wanted to eat nothing but organic, stay free of all meds, ect to give my baby the best possible. Unfortunatly, that has not been in the stars for me. I've always believed that God doesn't give us more than we can handle, but their are days when I question if he thinks I'm stronger than I really am. Due to horrible morning sickness(all day long) and plain old food aversion, I eat whatever I can, whatever will go down. Organic or not. This poor baby has survived for days on boxed mac'n'chz and pizza. Sometimes a week will go by where that's all I can eat without throwing up. Mind you, before becoming pregnant, we were an organic househole, so I have no idea where this has come from. So now I feel guilty because not only am I not giving my baby an organic diet, but most days I don't come close to giving my poor little Livy the amount of calories or the rounded diet that she so very much deserves.
Then, at 6wks I started having these horrible migranes. I'm talking can't move, throwing up, going to die migranes. I would get them 4 times a week and sometimes they would last up to 3 days! I couldn't function and couldn't eat with them. I wasn't getting any sleep and was starting to get confused due to lack of food and sleep. DH took me in to the docs to explain what was going on. My doc told me it was to the point where the pain I was in was hurting my baby and med were the only way to fix it(I'd tried the alternatives). So I accepted my prescription, but fought taking it like crazy. One day, DH had enough and sat me down for a talking to. He said that the docs believed with all their hearts that it was ok for me to take and that it wasn't healthy for anybody, let along a pregnant women to go through this. So now, when it gets really bad, I take the meds and TRY not to feel guilty. I still do, but I don't have an alternative.
To top if off, at 9wks, I started having pain that ran all the way down my left leg from my back. It always ached and by the end of the day was shooting pain that left me in tears. Within a week of the pain starting, I couldn't make it through the workday. Then twice, I fell on the landing of our stairs because the pain was so intense that I lost control from mid-back down. Again, into the doc's we went. I did P.T. three times a week untill 13 weeks when they gave up and sent me to an neuro-surgan. I had herniated 2 disks in my lower back with t/u with morning sickness and migranes. I was given two options...back surgery while pregnant or pain medication and prayer that I could make it through the pregnancy.
I spoke with my peri and my ob extensivly. They both felt that surgery would be easiest on me. I asked what was best for my baby. They said not having surgery would be safest for her, but that they didn't know if I could make it as I got larger. I was determine that I would not have surgery while pregnant...you see, they would only do the surgery before 20 wks and the surgery held a risk of inducing labor. If this happened during surgery, they would deliver my baby. At 20 weeks or less, she would have no chance. Not an option. So now, here I am at 28wks, in lots of pain but with my baby. I do take pain meds often. I feel horrible, but I've paid close attention to Livy. The meds don't seem to affect her, in fact she's more active when I've taken them. The docs said it's because I'm less stressed from pain. My BP also is much better when I'm not on them.
So, I'm not saying you should throw your beliefs out the window. I'm just saying, I hear ya. I feel guilty too. I want to be able to have a normal pregnancy, where I don't wonder every day if I've hurt my baby in some way. Where I feel like a total failure as a mother. Because I've had to sacrifice so many of the things I felt/feel so strongly about. But, at the same time, I have to have faith. There is a plan for us and I'm doing the very best I can with what God has given me. Throw out the guilt Lauren, you are trying so hard for your Little Buddy and nobody will blame you for needing relief for a little while.
Name - Jennifer
Due Date - 4/16
Date Placed on Bedrest - 12/31 @ 25 weeks
Type - strict bedrest at home
Why - hypertension; pre-e risk
Question of the Day - What does your bedrest mean for you...I've noticed that strict/modified really means different things for everyone. So what's your situtaion?
Answer- My strict bedrest means that I am allowed to lie down in the bed or on the couch. I can sit up to get on the computer, read, fold laundry, etc., but my feet must be elevated (i.e. not on the floor). I can get up to go to the bathroom and I'm allowed to take a shower everyday. I'm not supposed to do anything else (i.e. no housework, no cooking, lifting, or anything else) that I can't do while lying down on the couch. Since I'm at home by myself during the day, I cheat and heat up meals in the microwave for myself, get my cereal in the morning, get up to get something to drink, etc.
Updates- No real updates. I have a headache, AGAIN today. I'm not sure if I need to tell my doctor about them because when I get up in the morning they're gone. But, an hour or so after getting up in the morning, they start coming back. Today, I had to go drop off my 24 hour urine sample, and I almost had them check my bp because I could tell by the headache that it was high. But, I just came on home and got on the couch. It helped a little, but it still didn't go away
Today, my OB office called to schedule my bi-weekly regimen. I will be going to their office 2 times per week. I will start getting two NSTs per week and a BPP once per week. BUT, I don't see my OB for 3 weeks
That makes me feel a little nervous.
DH just got home from Target with a bunch of stuff I'll need in the hospital so that I can start getting my hospital bad ready. Awwwwww! I heart him!
**Lauren - I'm so sorry you're in so much pain. And, I'm sorry you're feeling guilty. That really stinks. I wish I had something to say that would make you feel better, but I don't. I know that with the meds I'm on, I feel guilty. But, I have to just trust my OB and know that she wouldn't give me anything that would harm Baby Sam.
**Michelle - I'm so excited for you and your DH re: the restaurant. I do think you're a little crazy to do it right now! LOL! But, that's so exciting! I'm sorry your having a migraine. I've been so thankful that my headaches lately haven't been migraine strength......they're just a dull throbbing that doesn't go away.
**Annie - I'm sorry that you're appointment didn't go as planned. I'm going to throw in my $0.02 on your original post
**Laura (aka Tigerlilies) - I think the reason that most of us have problems on weekends is because during the week our DHs are working, as are our other friends and family. So, we understand why we don't have constant company. But on the weekends our DHs and friends, family, etc. are not working but they still have things to do. Like, my DH spent this past weekend going to Target, picking up our glider, moving stuff into storage, and other things like that. So, it makes it a little harder even though we understand they have to get stuff done and the weekends are the only time they can do it. Not sure if that makes sense, but that's the way I feel.
Thanks Michelle! Your situation early in pregnancy sounds like it was very similar to mine (throwing up, not eating barely anything and what you do eat is crap) I know that God only gives me what He knows I can handle but I, like you, have said numerous times that God has more faith in me than I have in myself--its just so hard when you have the struggle of being on bedrest (which prevents me from doing like all the holistic pain relief methods I know) and then you have added guilt from taking pain meds--I just cant help but mentally picturing my little bird of a baby (only 2lbs 2oz) completely drugged up in my belly, not moving--ugh I really need to get these thoughts out of my head becuase honestly I know pain meds are the only way I am going to manage getting through the next week of bedrest until my u/s on the 2nd...It's so nice to have you guys as support, knowing I can vent and that I wont get flamed, or get the side eye b/c I feel guilty taking meds--esp since so many women want all the pain relief they can get when pregnant I feel like the minority sometimes when I would rather suffer than be doped up
I just really need to trust in my dr right now that he wouldnt give me anything too bad, they are very conservative dr's and they are testing my blood to check my kidney and liver functioning again before giving me any more meds just to err on the side of caution--ugh I am ready to be done w/ this bedrest business but not at the expense of Little Buddy's health--thanks for the encouragement Michelle--it helps me feel tons better
Name - Mandy
Due Date - 4/8....C-section officially scheduled for April Fool's Day!
Date Placed on Bedrest - 17w (11.2.09)
QOTD---What does your bedrest mean for you...I've noticed that strict/modified really means different things for everyone. So what's your situtaion?
Answer-Well, it has changed as time has went on. When my bleed first happened with my previa, I was on complete bed rest. That meant on my back for the entire day. Only allowed up to pee and to go from the bed to the couch and vice versa. That was from 17w-22w. At that point, MFM adjusted it on modified bed rest, which at that point meant I could actually sit up and go to the kitchen to make short meals. Now, since the previa has resolved (just low-lying at this point) and all I am dealing with is the contractions, I am now on restricted activity. As MFM put it, "pelvic rest with a twist". They do not want me contracting, mostly because of my scar on my uterus. So, on days where I have no contractions I can be up and even go out a bit as long as I still am off my feet as much as possible. However, on days I contract I am flat on my back. Frustrating, but I will certainly take what I can get.
Update: Not much to report. I was feeling REALLY good today, so I decided to take the girls through the McD's drive-thru for dinner (DH is working). Yep, a total thrill! Since I don't get out much, ant outing usually makes me happy. Unfortunately, I forgot how much work it is to simply get 2 toddlers in hats and coats and in the car. Probably not worth it but the girls were happy, so that is all that matters! Baby Bug is soooooo active, and has started to "explore" it's accommodations. Today was my ribs and my pelvis (literally felt like BB was trying to crawl into my pelvis!) Doc appointment tomorrow.
**Stephanie*** Welcome! Another triplet mommy----so cool! Hang in there mama! I know yo are at the beginning of this new "detour" (bedrest, that is), but it does get better.
**Michelle, what another twist to your already crazy ride! The concept sounds awesome.....I really hope it works out for you and DH. And don't worry about Olivia's nursery. Worst case scenario, she's in the bassinet with you guys for a few weeks
**Lauren** All I can say is lots of {{{HUGS}}} your way. I wish I wasn't all the way in cold and miserable Northern Ohio. I would cheat on bed rest and come visit you in the hospital. I'm glad you are getting your wheelchair rides.....good for the soul.
**Laura (tigerlillies)** Glad you had such a good weekend!
** Laura (finally)**Don't believe I have seen you here before, so welcome! Sorry you are in the hospital, but hopefully not for too long, huh? Has your doc given you any time line for delivery?
Lauren..no prob, that's what we are here for! Just try not to be too hard on yourself.
Jennifer...hon, I really wish you'd get your BP checked. That headache makes me nervous. Maybe you could call your doc and see what they recommend. If they think it's ok, great! But I just worry because it's been bugging you for awhile now. Ok, I'll stop being a Mama Hen! But I do worry bout these things...and I have sooooo much time to do that! :-) Keep us updated as to how you are feeling. Have you tried hot/cold packs on your forehead and back of neck? Had a neck/sholder massage from your DH? Maybe one of those things would work that would rule out your BP and let you know that it's just a neck strain or something. Good Luck and you'll be in my T&P's!
Name - Becca
Due Date - 4/21
Date Placed on Bedrest - 12/18 at 22w1d
Type - strict bedrest at home
Why - itty bitty cervix
Question of the Day - What does your bedrest mean for you...I've noticed that strict/modified really means different things for everyone. So what's your situtaion?
Answer- I am allowed to use the toilet, and take a quick shower, and that's it. I have been putting my clothes away when I get up to shower. I have even stopped lifting up my cats for hugs since my big boy is 15 pounds. I eat my meals in bed, at an incline, with a lap tray and soon I am going to need a bib since I spill food between the tray and my mouth. So pathetic.
Update- No real news. My aunt is here from California to be my babysitter for the next week because my husband is going to a work conference from tomorrow to Sunday. She is a nurse practitioner, and I told her how short my cervix is and I could see how horrified she was. So that didn't ease my mind, but she managed to say something positive (at least I'm not dilating) and reminded me to keep track of any discharge in case I lose my mucous plug. I just want to make it to 30 weeks, and sometimes that still feels far away.
**Michelle-- so exciting about the restaurant! I love food and hosting, so I could imagine doing that, but it would be so much work and such crazy hours. But it sounds so beautiful and like it has the potential to be a great life. Keep us updated!
**Lauren-- I'm sorry for all of the frustrations. Again, you are doing the right thing for your baby, and it will all be over soon.
Name - Brittany
Due Date - 3/4
Date Placed on Bedrest - 1/18
Type - bedrest at home till last night that is.
Why - severe swelling, blood pressure, and last night cramps
Question of the Day - What does your bedrest mean for you...I've noticed that strict/modified really means different things for everyone. So what's your situtaion?
Answer- I was on bedrest at home. Don't do anything but shower. Now I am on intecive bedrest in the hospital. Hopefully only till tomorrow. And that mean get up to pee. And that's it.
Updates- WOW! So last night I was up late watching the Pregnancy Pact movie when I started to get cramps. I went in to L&D just to make sure and my blood pressure was 164/over a number(2am...I was in and out). My urine test has protien in it as well. BP was about 155/random numbers most of the night and is now bouncing between 144/92 and 134/72. I do have a low grade fever. They gave me the steriod shot of mega pain to help develop his lungs fast this morning and I will get it again in the morning. After that I will hopefully be able to go home. I will now be on bedrest till baby comes which is a bummer. My SO's mother (who works in L&D) thinks Connor will be here by 37 weeks at the latest. Crazy crazy crazy.
**Michelle-Congrats on the restuarant. Very exciting. Sorry you had a poopy day. I am glad DH is supportive. Glad your contractions were barely there! What type of restuarant is it?
**Lauren-Feel better! I hope tomorrow is a good day. Monday is always a bad day. I can never seem to wrap my head around natural birth. To you and the other ladies going that route what is your reasoning? Just curious.
**Lauren(tiger)-Its so nice having the men there. I know I am always in a better mood when SO is there. Although I am still struggling with feeling useless. I think being put in the hospital will help with that. SO I think will basically carry me to the restroom. I wouldn't put it past him.
**Laura-You make me giggle. Are you from a small town? Do you know any other women who had this issue with these docs?
**Jennifer-TSK TSK! I tell my docs EVERYTHING. I can't help it. I get so worried. I would tell them. Personally. I guess headaches are a symptom of pre-e. And I love hearing about wonderful DHs. What is your fav item he got you?
**Mandy-GL at the doc appointment. Keep us updated.
**Becca-Sending stickybaby your way. I love it when family steps up. I would be a nervous wreck if SO left. Safe travels too him!!!
BrittAny Nicole
Michelle - Yeah, I probably should have asked them to. I'm taking it at home and it's been pretty good. But the last few days the bottom number is creeping up again, even when I'm sitting with my feet up. This afternoon when I took my sample in, I could tell it was pretty high though. I've tried a heating pad on my neck and head for the headaches. It sometimes helps for a while. But I only do it at night (because sometimes it makes it worse), which could be why my headaches go away at night. I thought about calling and asking if I can take my migraine medicine since I have hbp now, but I'm afraid that would raise some red flags. I just hate to be an alarmist, and I don't want to go back to L&D and have to be on hospital bed rest. Plus, every time I go to L&D, my bp drops really low. I guess because I'm lying down pretty flat. So, they always comment on how low it is and how weird it is that it was so high....
So, with the bottom bp number creeping up and the headaches, along with the fact that I'm still seeing floating spots and flashes (which they've never really figured out why I continue to see those), I'm a little concerned. But, last week, my proteins were ok (above normal, but not at pre-e levels). So, I have that going for me, which is nice........
Brittany - He got me mostly the basics.....nursing tanks, toiletries, maxi pad (yes, even those), underwear, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
My favorite though was a pair of sock monkey house shoes! We are doing a monkey theme in the nursery and a few of our relatives have gotten Sam sock monkeys. So, DH got me a pair of sock monkey house shoes......so CUTE!
Name - summer
Due Date - 6/13
Date Placed on Bedrest - 19 weeks 5 days
Type - home
Why - low fluid, baby is a week behind growth chart, too much activity in large intestines
Question of the Day - What does your bedrest mean for you...I've noticed that strict/modified really means different things for everyone. So what's your situation?
Answer- it means that I feel like nothing is wrong with me but i have all of these issues come up that i cant control. ive never been put in a sit. like that and feel out of place. and it is ssoooooo hard not to clean a mess when it stares at you all day.
Due Date - 4/8Date Placed on Bedrest - at 25 weeks
Type - modified bedrest at homeWhy - history of ptl/ptd and high-risk multiples pgQOTD- well, at first OB said quit work and stay at home and rest. basically then he told me to limit the times i went out of the house and no stairs (i rarely use them and i have been sleeping in my guest room downstairs) limit amount of chores and such. he has not completely limited everything but i am very cautious with b/c of how things went last pregnancy. sudden labor at 29 weeks and we could not stop it AND now pregnant with multiples (needless to say, we were a little worried but so far our precautions are doing some good)...this pregnancy = a lot of resting (OB said 3 2-hour slots during the day with feet up NOT including when i go to sleep lol) and lots of relaxation (i am VERY stress prone and basically have fed off of it my whole life)
**Brittany--Thanks for the kind words--Monday's are always bad I agree :-) As for my reasoning for wanting a natural childbirth, well I have/had a few reasons (a natural childbirth is probably going to be out of the question for me now considering my situation I will most likely end up w/ a c-section but even if I am induced I am still going to try to remain as unmedicated as possible) But back to my reasons: one of the main reasons is I feel like childbirth is something God created my body to do--the more I learn about how a female body works during childbirth I am amazed (like how and when we release certain hormones to help things along, how our reproductive organs were made to change and modify for our child--even a big child, etc.) I also wanted to avoid a c-section at all costs (haha that went out the window) and I know that when you have pain management interventions your risk of needing other interventions increase and the chance of a c-section increases (ex: you are in active labor and get an epi for pain mgt.-the epi then slows down your contractions which requires pitocin, the pitocin which can cause very intense tough contractions causes baby to go into distress which can cause you to need a c-section which you wouldnt have necessarily needed if you hadnt had the epi in the 1st place). I also wanted to feel some of the sensations/endorphine rush of delivering a baby naturally and I wanted the option of moving/eating/drinking during childbirth which if you have an epi isnt an option (since you have to be hooked up to an IV and a monitor) I have a few other reasons but this gives the gist
When it comes down to it though, a healthy mama and a healthy baby is what I want most--regardless of how I get there--thats what I want. I have accepted that there are circumstances in which unmedicated childbirth isnt safe (for example since my baby is so small he can really have a tough time w/ childbirth hence needing a c-section) and I want whats safest--I really do think that childbirth pain too is a lot of mind over matter, relaxation, etc. you can try many other natural techniques to help manage the pain that wont have any effect on your baby-id be more than happy to answer any questions you might have about unmedicated childbirth if you are interested/curious :-)