Time to slow down...says the doc.

selenamarino · December 2011

Yesterday at my 25 week appointment my doc. said it's time to slow down, decrease my work activity, keep my feet up for several hours a day, he banned me from any shopping and/or cooking but not on bed rest yet.

So this morning I talked to my boss and think I"m going to start coming in at 8:00 instead of 8:30 so we can talk about anything that needs to be done before he goes to court and then I'll go home at 3:00 every day instead of 5:00. The kids will still go to the neighbors after school and I'll have from about 3:15 to 5:00 to rest before the kids come home.

This is going to suck. It's not in my bones to "stop and relax". I always stay busy.

chrissc34 · December 2011

I agree, easier said than done. Just make sure you listen to doc orders. I too have been put on modified bed rest and complete pelvic rest. Im OCD about cleaning and organization. Its killing me not to have everything just so. Probably good for me when these boys come. Good luck, rest, drink water and be merry!

selenamarino · December 2011

My questions here are:

1. How normal is this? I know many of you have been put on bed rest.

2. He said to start the work thing slow. So, I'm wondering if this is the best option. I'm not really ready for half-days yet.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

UsedToBeGoldie · December 2011

my ob told me at my 8w appt to expect to leave work between 24-28 weeks even if everything was going well... mostly b/c tha'ts the time when a twin pg starts to measure close to 40 weeks and PTL odds increase bc the body can think "oh, i must be done, THIS baby is big enough", b/c our bodies are really just made to handle one at a time.... you really do need to take it easy.

i left work at 27 weeks. I did one productive thing a day in the house (folded laundry, put things away in the nursery, etc) and i left the house once/day...early on I'd go shopping, later on I'd just go to the movies or out to lunch with a friend... and the rest of the day i sat with my feet up. I was never on bedrest - i was just told it was time to take it easy... and i made it to 38w1d with no signs of labor - nice healthy big babies (and this was after PTL at 32w with a singleton and delivering him at 36w).

nothing is worth dealing with babies in the NICU or worse... so taking it easy needs to BE your job.

tootlebug · December 2011

...why does he want you to slow down? is your body giving out some signs of physical stress?

MrsLnt · December 2011

I went PT around 20 weeks (I'm an atty, so, desk job but high stress) and I was also in the process of renovating a house. I worked from 10-3, 5 days a week and had a few hours a day to just put my feet up and take it easy. I was done working alltogether by 31 weeks (became a SAHM). You only have one chance to cook these babies so listen to your doctor!

selenamarino · December 2011

tootlebug:

...why does he want you to slow down? is your body giving out some signs of physical stress?

Yes. My blood pressure has been elevated at my last few visits, swelling, contractions that have sent me to L&D 2xs and caused some dilating, etc.

tootlebug · December 2011

selenamarino:
tootlebug:

...why does he want you to slow down? is your body giving out some signs of physical stress?

Yes. My blood pressure has been elevated at my last few visits, swelling, contractions that have sent me to L&D 2xs and caused some dilating, etc.

well then def. take it easy! i was just curious as i havent been told to slow down yet...but was wondering what to look for in case it comes up.

JosiePosy · December 2011

I had to slow down at 24 weeks. Got pulled from work at 26 weeks due to PTL. Listen to your body and your doc. Like PP says, you only get one shot at this and life in the NICU sucks. Take it easy mama.

dec13th · December 2011

Take the time to rest! as pp said, you only get this one chance to cook your babies! You want to keep them inside for as long as possible.

Good Luck!

selenamarino · December 2011

oh yeah, my goal is to cook the babies until 36 weeks

jcath · December 2011

I am so not a slow down type of person but my MFM had me start working from home 2-3 days a week at 28 weeks. Much past that you won't want to do anything anyway. I really do think the rest will help you get further. I made it to my scheduled induction at 37 weeks. Trust me you want to cook babies inside as long as possible. Your body is doing enough cooking those two little ones so just give into it for a little while. Good luck!

brody8336 · December 2011

I went part time at 28 weeks, and was pulled from work at 32 weeks for mild hypertension/swelling. The babies came at 36 weeks due to pre-e, and spent 6 and 12 days in the NICU. I know it's tough, and for me, there was only so much Maury I could watch, but it's definitely important to take it easy. Good luck!

mars724 · December 2011

Bummer, I am dreading that conversation myself, I'm the same way. but, it's all for the best. Good luck, find some good books to read while you relax, or maybe some work you can do from your bed at home during your rest time?

Hang in there!

SpinningJess · December 2011

selenamarino:

My questions here are:

1. How normal is this? I know many of you have been put on bed rest.

2. He said to start the work thing slow. So, I'm wondering if this is the best option. I'm not really ready for half-days yet.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Yes it's pretty normal. I wasn't put on bedrest by the doctor, but my body simply couldn't do it any more so I basically did it to myself, modified of course because I'm also OCD about my house. Find people to help you keep your house the way you like or as close to it as possible. As for work....can you work from home at all? Like kicked back in a recliner with laptop?

ninjabridemom · December 2011

I was told from the beginning to slow extra-curricular activities around 24wks. So I am not teaching yoga, and I'm going to start taking it easier around the house. Once it starts snowing my H will be driving me to work instead of me taking the train (he works from home so it works out well). So far though I've had no issues medically.

But I can't randomly stop work at 27/28 wks and am baffled by the people who suggest it (not OP, doctors). We so need that money. The only way I'll stop work or cut down on hours is if a doctor specifically tells me to for a real, medical reason. We just can't afford for me to up and quit.

Also, I don't think my job would be protected if I did that, so...

selenamarino · December 2011

ninjabridemom:

I was told from the beginning to slow extra-curricular activities around 24wks. So I am not teaching yoga, and I'm going to start taking it easier around the house. Once it starts snowing my H will be driving me to work instead of me taking the train (he works from home so it works out well). So far though I've had no issues medically.

But I can't randomly stop work at 27/28 wks and am baffled by the people who suggest it (not OP, doctors). We so need that money. The only way I'll stop work or cut down on hours is if a doctor specifically tells me to for a real, medical reason. We just can't afford for me to up and quit.

Also, I don't think my job would be protected if I did that, so...

I'm only taking 1 1/2 hours per day and I already get off early on Fridays so not missing much but that time every day I will spend in bed with my feet up. I'll do that until he tells me more.

I know what you mean about the income. My husband owns his business and doesn't have much income so we live on mine mostly. We are praying the words "bed rest" never actually come but if they do we will just have to figure it out.

Good luck to you too.

ninjabridemom · December 2011

Selena it seems in your case that's definitely medically necessary, though!! I will be breathing easier if I make it to 32wks w/o bedrest -- then, my STD will be able to cover w/ an easier reinstate for post-birth (as well as protect my position). I just might have to return sooner after babies than I want.

I hope everything turns out okay and you don't go stir-crazy!! That seems like the hardest part of bedrest/taking it easy.

Jen0204 · December 2011

That is fantastic that your boss is willing to work with you! At 23 weeks my OB suggested talking to my job about working from home and although they had done it for many other people in a very timely fashion 3 weeks later I had no answer and got pulled out of work due to a shortened cervix. I really believe that there's a good possibility that I wouldn't have had to go out so early if I had been allowed to work from home from when I asked, but oh we'll. Definitely take it as easy as you can so that hopefully you can avoid serious complications and stricter bed rest. It's definitely hard when you're the type of person who's always on the move, but slowing down now will really help you in the long run.

Good luck!

selenamarino · December 2011

tootlebug:
selenamarino:
tootlebug:

...why does he want you to slow down? is your body giving out some signs of physical stress?

Yes. My blood pressure has been elevated at my last few visits, swelling, contractions that have sent me to L&D 2xs and caused some dilating, etc.

well then def. take it easy! i was just curious as i havent been told to slow down yet...but was wondering what to look for in case it comes up.

I have been dreading the "bed rest" but luckily we still aren't there yet. I'll count my blessings and do as the doctor says. Good luck to you!!!

selenamarino · December 2011

SpinningJess:
selenamarino:

My questions here are:

1. How normal is this? I know many of you have been put on bed rest.

2. He said to start the work thing slow. So, I'm wondering if this is the best option. I'm not really ready for half-days yet.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Yes it's pretty normal. I wasn't put on bedrest by the doctor, but my body simply couldn't do it any more so I basically did it to myself, modified of course because I'm also OCD about my house. Find people to help you keep your house the way you like or as close to it as possible. As for work....can you work from home at all? Like kicked back in a recliner with laptop?

Yes, I have remote access from home.

Fancy3Face · December 2011

I went to part time @ 28w and was on bedrest completely by 32w. I went on hospital bed rest @ 32.5w (for PIH, pre-e) and delivered @ 36w1d.

Definitely take it easy!

Mrs_MBed · December 2011

selenamarino:
My questions here are:

1. How normal is this? I know many of you have been put on bed rest.

2. He said to start the work thing slow. So, I'm wondering if this is the best option. I'm not really ready for half-days yet.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I have been on complete pelvic rest and modified bed rest/restricted activity since 16 wks. But DD2 was born at 33wks, so I have a history of PTL. Its hard for me to stay on the couch with two little ones running around - especially since they have been on winter break for the last 2 weeks. But I'm also at the point where "easy" stuff completely exhausts me. Yesterday I folded one load of laundry and put it away - I had to lie down afterwards, I was completely drained and winded.

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Time to slow down...says the doc.

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