The idea of bedrest may seem overwhelming, especially if you're the type of person that always has to be taking care of something or checking things off a long to-do list. However, now is the time to slow down and focus on taking care of you and baby. And bed rest can actually be enjoyable if you have some essential items and are adequately prepared ahead of time. Below is our Pregnancy Bedrest Survival Checklist.
Lots of Snacks
Have your caretaker keep a cooler stocked with snacks by your bed. You don't want to have to keep getting up and putting extra strain on your body each time you feel hungry.
Lots of Pillows and Blankets
Your body has reached its limit. It's extra important that you are super, super comfortable. It is also a good idea to have a tv tray or some sort of lap desk to allow you to work in bed.
Trashy Magazines and Good Reads
Pile on the trashy magazines. Dive into that tall stack of fiction on your bedside table that you've been meaning to read. Are there still any parenting books lying around that you haven't cracked open? Now is the time to read to your heart's content.
Scrapbook or Journal
You've probably been feeling a range of emotions during your pregnancy. Journal them. This is a great keepsake to look back on and maybe even something you can share with your child one day. Being on a bedrest is also the ideal time to scrapbook memories you already have and create a book to fill with all your baby's best moments. Things are about to get crazy so take advantage of this down time.
TV and Movies
Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime...it's good to have access to at least one of these! Whether it's trashy reality television, your favorite old movies, a cool documentary or a new show you've been meaning to watch, now's the time to get your fill. Some of our favorite series to binge watch right now on Hulu and Netflix are:
- Orange is The New Black
- Pretty Little Liars
- Gossip Girl
- Parks and Recreation
- New Girl
- House of Cards
- Stranger Things
- Gilmore Girls
- The Office
- Mad Men
Pick up a productive hobby
Knitting, crocheting, needlepoint...pick up a hobby that's stress relieving for you. This is a great time to keep busy with your hands. And you'll end up with some awesome gifts for friends and family.
Try an Adult Coloring Book
A relaxing and fun activity that is not just for children! There are a variety of awesome coloring books out there. We like this one.
More Preparation Tips
- Make sure to make preparations for leaving your job. If you're able to still do all or parts of your job on bedrest, discuss with your boss how this will work ahead of time and be aware that unexpected issues with pregnancy could arise.
- If you have children, make sure to arrange proper childcare, transportation, etc. for them.
- Arrange for friends and family to take turns bringing over meals, assist with household chores or watching your children, and even just keeping you company. If your partner is your primary caretaker, you'll want to make sure they have some backup help.
- You might start to feel depressed and helpless not being able to take care of yourself on your own like you normally can. Just remember, it's ok. You're doing what's best for your future child!
Check out these online support groups for mothers on bed rest:
