introduction and advice on keeping spirits up during bedrest

perry7285

hi everyone,

i'm new to this board--i actually only got my positive beta two days ago! unfortunately i started having some spotting the next day and i've been sentenced to semi-bedrest until the spotting clears up. my obgyn told me today that regardless of the spotting he considers me a high-risk pregnancy due to the fact that i did IVF and i have some auto-immune issues.

anyway, i was wondering if you ladies had any advice on keeping my spirits up during bedrest. it's tough because all of the things that i would normally do to cope with anxiety or mood swings involve getting out of bed! do you guys have any suggestions for managing stress and staying happy on bedrest?

thanks very much for any thoughts, and congratulations to all of you on your pregnancies.

miaomi

I'll be honest...when I'm really struggling, I turn to the girls on the bedrest check-in.  No matter how much somebody loves you or cares about you, it's not the same as talking to people in the same boat.  So visit the daily check-in and pull strength from the others.  And it's uplifting to be there for the others when they need it.  Also, make sure that a SO or family member is on board with you 100%.  You'll need someone who will help you and be there for you.  Be honest with that person about your frustrations, fears, and how you are feeling.  Lean on the people you can and worry about paying them back later. 

It seems like bedrest is the end of the world, but it's not.  It's a chance for you to take care of your LO and focus on them.  Since being on bedrest, I feel my connection to my LO is sooo strong.  I talk to her all the time and unlike working mothers, get to feel her every little movement.  I get to focus on her all the time, not just when I'm off work.  So, I try and remember that when I'm bored and lonely.  Cause we aren't alone, we have our LO's and of course...THE BUMP! :-)  Good Luck!!

KYmama9286

I agree totally w/ everything michelle said--I have gotten so much support from the bed rest mamas check-in--I think some of those ladies know more about whats going on w/ me than some of my IRL friends--they are in the same boat, can relate and in general just have a better idea of what to say to comfort me

I also agree that having someone 100% on board w/ you is vital--if I didnt have DH there to support me I would go nuts I know that I can be completley honest about my feelings w/ him and my fears and that I can cry, scream, complain, be angry, be happy, basically I can experience the emotional rollercoaster that comes w/ bedrest w/ him right along side me--very vital!