8 Valuable Lessons from Bed Rest During a High-Risk Pregnancy

My first 18 weeks of pregnancy felt like a blissful dream. Sure, I battled morning sickness daily and couldn’t even look at green veggies, but I was busy planning. We renovated the baby’s nursery, picked a name, and I even created the ultimate safety checklist for strollers. Then, just like that, everything changed.

Awakening to sharp pains in my lower abdomen led to a flurry of tests and a diagnosis of three sizable fibroids. One of them was as big as a football and pressing against my cervix, leading to a terrifying conclusion: my baby was at risk. The doctor warned I might not make it to 24 weeks, and I was ordered to bed rest for the remainder of my pregnancy—lying down with my hips elevated became my new normal. Five months on bed rest wasn’t easy, but here’s what I learned.

1. Trust Your Instincts.

When I first reported the pain to my doctor, she dismissed it as normal pressure. I delayed seeking further help because I didn’t want to seem overly anxious. In hindsight, I should’ve pushed harder for an early appointment. If something feels off, trust that feeling and advocate for yourself.

2. Find a Trustworthy Doctor.

Being labeled high-risk granted me immediate attention, but the constant rotation of doctors made me feel like a number, not a person. Each one offered conflicting advice until I insisted on seeing a single practitioner. I chose Dr. Smith, known for her expertise in complex pregnancies and her humor—best decision I made.

3. You’re Not Alone.

Stuck at home, I felt isolated, but a quick search revealed a community of women facing similar challenges. It was comforting to know I wasn’t the only one, even if we couldn’t meet over coffee. Just a word of caution: avoid Googling symptoms—it’s a dark rabbit hole!

4. Rally Your Support Team.

This was the time to delegate chores! Initially hesitant to ask for help, I soon discovered that people genuinely want to assist pregnant women. I reached out to neighbors, my mom, and even local volunteers. My best friend was convinced to bring over takeout and binge-watch old sitcoms with me.

5. Make Your Space Cozy.

I went all in on comfort. I ordered luxurious sheets, stocked my bedside with snacks, gathered a stash of guilty-pleasure magazines, and upgraded my Netflix. Once I transformed my area into a cozy haven, I felt more like a queen—albeit one who mostly shared her throne with the dog.

6. Nurture Your Relationship.

With my primary task being to stay off my feet, intimacy was the last thing on my mind. But stress was high for both my husband, Jake, and me. To maintain our connection, I planned low-key date nights, even if he mostly just dozed off next to me. At least we were trying!

7. Forget the Birth Plan.

When dealing with a high-risk pregnancy, it’s best to have no rigid birth plan at all. One moment, I envisioned a peaceful water birth; the next, I was planning for a C-section. The best decision was hiring a doula who guided us through the chaos and even caught Jake when he fainted.

8. Practice Self-Forgiveness.

I often blamed myself for the complications, questioning my ability to be a good mother. Climbing out of that mental pit was tough. I had to remind myself that I was doing my best and that I would be a loving mother.

Five months after those first ominous pains, my baby boy arrived healthy and right on schedule. It wasn’t an easy journey, but we emerged stronger together. Ironically, the position I was forced into during bed rest also sparked some romance between us!

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Summary:

Navigating a high-risk pregnancy from bed rest was challenging but enlightening. From trusting my instincts and finding a reliable doctor to building a support team and redefining intimacy, every lesson was essential. Ultimately, self-forgiveness and adaptability were key in bringing my healthy baby boy into the world.