Surviving Bed Rest With Twins!

 

Surviving Bed Rest With Twins!

4-13-2011

 

 

So you heard those two little words you dreaded hearing during your twin pregnancy…’bed rest.’   For whatever reason your doctor said it needs to be, and there’s not much you can do about it, but comply.

 

This can be quite hard, especially for women who are always used to being active and go-go-go all the time without any restriction.  Bed rest in a twin pregnancy is certainly no guarantee.  I knew more girls who weren’t on it by a country mile then those who were. 

 

Sometimes the doctor is just extra cautious, and sometimes there is an underlying problem that causes the worry.  No matter what the situation it’s easy to feel saddened if you become part of the ‘bed rest bunch.’  Just rest assured that time moves quickly, and it will become a distant blur before you know it.

 

 

There are two places for bed rest.

 

A)  Bed rest at home.

You remain in your own quarters, in a familiar place.

 

B)  Bed rest in the hospital.

If your doctor feels you need to be monitored more closely, you may be asked to move into the hospital temporarily.

 

 

There are two kinds of bed rest.

 

A)  Partial bed rest (AKA modified bed rest.)

This is more like activity restriction.  You may still get up and go to the bathroom on your own.  Walk around  the house and yard a bit.  You just take it very easy, and stay in bed for part of the day.  You certainly shouldn’t be mopping the floors, and giving the kids piggy back rides.  I think you know what I mean.  Also, sex is likely a big no-no.  Sorry husbands.

  

B)  Full & complete bed rest.  (AKA strict bed rest.)

You won’t be able to get up for anything really.  You will likely need to go to the bathroom from your bed in a bed pan, and completely avoid any ‘on your feet’ activity.  (You might be granted certain privledges, like going to the bathroom, depending on your own unique situation.)

 

It may sound terrible, but if it’s what is best for your babies, it’s important.  Always keep in mind that you are protecting them, and always have your eyes on the prize.  Keep an ultrasound photo with you if that helps.

 

*Make sure you know which kind of bed rest your doctor wants for you, as they are quite different.*

 

 

How do you survive such restrictions when you are used to being active?

 

 1)  Technology.  Take full advantage of it.

Boy, I can’t imagine bed rest before the Internet age, but now that we have it, certainly use it.  I know if I had the time, I could spend 12 hours or more a day on the Internet.  Now would be the perfect time to start up a blog of your very own.

 

Even if you are in the hospital, the couple of girls I did know on bed rest there, were still able to communicate online, so you should have no problem there.  It will help you get through those weeks or months of inactivity.

 

2)  Support.

Online there are many other moms around the world in the exact same situation as you.  Don’t believe me?  Check it out!  There is never any need to feel alone in your plight.  Check out some message boards with support groups for women who are on bed rest at the exact same time as you.  You just may find it extremely comforting.

 

Here are a few great resources to go to.

 Side Lines 

Just for mommies.-  Bed rest mamas.

iVilliage advice & support

Mothers of Supertwins (MOST).

Daily Strength.

 

3)  Stay connected with the outside world.

It’s easy to feel disconnected when you are placed on bed rest, but it’s important to keep in contact with the outside world.  Your friends, family, they are still there, and it helps to reach out to them and know they are still around, and still available to you.  You didn’t just drop off the face of the planet.  Make phone calls, request visitors, hop on Facebook.  Stay in touch with loved ones on a daily basis.  It’ll help.

 

4)  Keep your focus & stay positive.

You were placed on bed rest for a reason, and are now doing the best you can to keep those babies inside of you protected, and give them the best start at life that you possibly can…BE PROUD! 

 

Creating and carrying two human beings is not the easiest job on the planet, so admire yourself for what you are doing, and keep a positive attitude going.  Like all things in life, a great attitude and a good sense of humor through the hard times, will always help you prevail. 

 

Bed rest is not going to last forever.  Your love for your beautiful new babies surely will though.  You can and will survive bed rest.  Hang in there, and know always that you are never alone.  Not in this..not in anything.  Take care, and God bless.