PRE-TERM LABOR is one of the main reason women are put on bed rest.
Pre-term labor consists of contractions that start opening the cervix before the 37th week of pregnancy, sometimes with no explanation for why it is occurring. Generally, women who are at a higher risk for pre-term birth have one or more complications, including (but not limited to):
-Previous pre-term birth
-Dilated cervix
-Expecting twins, triplets or more
-Preeclampsia
-Abnormally shaped uterus
-Preexisting medical conditions
-Placental problems
-Problems with the amniotic sac or amniotic fluid
-Previous miscarriages or abortions
-Infections
Your health care provider will be able to give you specific information about your medical condition and activity level.
The Motherhood Center staff can help you make your partial or full bed rest easier by offering many services to ease the physical strain of staying in bed.
We can send a massage therapist to your home for in-home massage on a regular or on a once-in-a-while basis to give an in-home massage that will help with blood flow, circulation and the elimination of toxins. It can also help muscle tone, which can be in jeopardy due to bed rest and decreased mobility. There are many physical and emotional benefits of getting a massage. We also offer convenient packages.
Women are often advised to lay on their side as much as possible during bed rest on whichever side is most comfortable. Your health care provider may advise you to lay on your left side so that your uterus does not put pressure on the vena cava, one of two large veins that return blood to your heart.
In addition to feeling tired and isolated, you may experience muscle and joint pain, backache and dizziness. If you have been inactive for a long time, you may experience muscle weakness and a lack of energy after your delivery. A physical therapist or a massage therapist may be able to help you minimize these effects. Be sure to check with your health care provider before undergoing any therapy.
Many of our clients not able to attend newborn care, breastfeeding, childbirth or CPR classes due to bed rest can have these classes in the comfort of their own home and we can adjust the private class to you and your partner’s schedule to ensure you feel prepared for your new baby’s arrival.
Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help, but during bed rest you will really have no other option. Please do ask for help! If you don’t have relatives close by or if they are not in a position to help you, The Motherhood Center can arrange for one of our baby nurses-ante partum doulas to come and help you with running errands, cooking, cleaning around the house or we can have a sitter come watch your older children by taking them to some activity or by playing with them while you rest. You also have the option of having your nanny start earlier - before the baby arrives - to acclimate and to help you feel more comfortable.
We can also offer help during this difficult time through our family coach and mentor who can visit you at home and help you put things into perspective. This is a special time of nurturing yourself while simultaneously nurturing the baby in your womb. Please let The Motherhood Center’s team help you in any way we can. With our baby shower registry and packages, it only takes one call to set you up, and even our Motherhood Center photographers can make a home visit to capture this precious time of your pregnancy. You are not alone . . . we are here for you.
Just let us know how we can best help you!
