Topic Overview

The following tips may be helpful when dealing with bed rest for a high-risk pregnancy:

• Try to lie on your side instead of your back. This may help improve blood flow to your uterus and baby and reduce pressure on your back.
• Keep a phone, phone book, note pad, and pen near the bed where you can easily reach them.
• If you have young children, you may want to restrict them to the room where you are resting. Keep their toys and other needed items (such as a diaper bag or potty chair) close by. Have another family member pack snacks and lunch food in a cooler close to your bed.
• Ignore the doorbell if you do not have an intercom system that allows you to speak with a visitor who comes to your door.
• Gently stretch your legs every hour to maintain good blood circulation.
• Look at this period as an opportunity to do activities that you usually can't find time for, such as reading, completing craft projects, or writing letters.