Being pregnant is one of the important milestones for a woman. For few women, this comes with its own share of ups and downs such as medical complications. Though pregnancy is the most exhilarating phase, a woman is advised bed rest after gauging her health to ensure she has a safe and sound pregnancy and healthy delivery of the baby. A strict bed rest often takes away all the privileges of going out, standing for a long time, walking or even sitting up. Though this time is a good time to relax, it often gets boring for a woman to be confined in a room. Emotionally, it may be difficult for certain women to accept the amount of dependency that comes with a prescribed bed rest. Here are few ideas that can keep such a woman cheerful and light.
1. Reading
Read the favorite titles, parenting books, papers or any literature that was always on the list to be read. Keep abreast with the bodily changes that happen in a pregnant woman for each month. The Internet is also a great source to research and read on a variety of topics. Make reading more enjoyable with enough cushions, pillows to support the back and legs.
2. Prepare the nursery
This is the time when there is sufficient time to do detailed planning, organizing and preparing the nursery for the baby. Things for the nursery can be bought online or through telephone. Choose the colors, theme of the room to make a perfect welcome for the baby. Stock up on dresses, toys and other paraphernalia required for the baby once he/she is born.
3. Knick knacks
Spend time preparing personally handmade knick knacks for the baby. Woolen sweaters, socks, mittens, baby dresses, head wear, welcome blankets are some of the things that can be made for the baby, without causing stress to the body. Craft work such as dolls, puppets can also be made for the baby, which can be used to pacify or cajole a distressed baby.
4. Write
Keep a record of all the events during pregnancy, writing poems, or just penning random thoughts make great pregnancy keep sake. Writing helps to give concrete shape to the innumerable thoughts on the paper. One can also write articles on pregnancy, baby care or any subject that the woman is comfortable with.
5. Stay connected
A pregnant woman on bed rest can feel depressed and isolated being confined in a room. It is essential that she stays well connected to her near and dear ones. She can get her friends and relatives to visit her. This keeps the pregnant woman socially active. It helps to relax by sharing her feelings with others. One can also catch up with friends and relatives on phone or email so that the woman does not feel alienated away from the world outside.
6. Learn a new skill
It is a good time for the pregnant woman to invest this time to spend quality time in learning a new skill or a hobby such as a language, craft or computer skills. It keeps the mind active and occupied. Internet and books can be used to learn such skills without having to move out of the bed.
7. Pamper
Give the sore body the much needed massage, pedicure and manicure. Looking after oneself is quite important to keep up the confidence levels of a pregnant woman. Massages soothe the muscles and nerves to make the pregnant woman relax and beat the stress. It relieves a person of the bed-rest symptoms such as numb, sore and stiff muscles.
8. Work from home
If the health condition for the pregnant woman permits, she can opt to work from home for some time of the day. This helps the woman to be in touch with her job and skills. Being busy with emails, calls and computer helps to keep a woman sane during this dull period. However, due care is required to do minimal work such that it does not stress the pregnant woman.
9. Exercise
Keep fit with a variety of simple exercises that makes the body and mind active and agile. It is also important to keep up the strength that is much needed for the delivery. In consultation with the doctor, simple isometric, Kegel and exercises pertaining to the legs can be incorporated into the daily schedule.
10. Watch videos
Enjoy the available time watching good and light comedy videos that help to keep the spirits bright and cheerful for the day. Watching parenting, childbirth videos helps a pregnant woman to be mentally prepared to take on the joy and challenges that comes with motherhood.
