What To Expect: 7 Possible Ob Gyn Guidelines For An Expecting Mom

Long-term bed rest can be mundane and boring but it can save a would-be-mother from unnecessary complications. It is essential for the safety and health of the baby as well. Since most pregnant women do not suffer from pregnancy complications, they do not consider or plan for bed rest. However, bed rest can act as a real boon to a pregnant woman. It goes a long way in ensuring a smooth pregnancy and a healthy life of the baby. Without proper bed rest, there are high chances of a woman suffering from preterm, premature, rupture of the membranes. This condition is also known as PROM. It leads to the breakage of membrane water within 37 weeks of the pregnancy. Since complications are very unpredictable here is a list of 7 things that the OB-GYN wants a would-be-mother to expect:

A hospital stay is on the cards:

A doctor might suggest bed rest spanning across few months to few weeks in a hospital. Most obstetricians shy away from the idea of a home bed rest. This is because studies suggest that for some conditions home-bed-rest might not prolong pregnancy. In fact, it might increase the risk of suffering from a condition known as the thromboembolism.

A bed-stay throughout the course of the pregnancy is likely: 

If the condition of a patient is that serious, a doctor might prescribe hospital bed rest for the entire course of the pregnancy. Even the usage of a bedside commode might be restricted and replaced with a bedpan to mitigate the risk of a failed pregnancy. Patients might occasionally be taken outside in a wheelchair for fresh air.

Blood clots are uncalled for:

Since there is not much movement during the bed-rest-days, clot formation in the legs is entirely possible. Pregnancy coupled with inactivity increases the ability of the blood to form clots so that it could quickly prepare the body for labour and delivery. To avoid blood clots, a doctor might suggest the use of sequential compression device to massage the calves so that the blood flow in the body increases. If this does not help, a doctor might also prescribe blood thinner medications.

Inactivity can result in depression: 

Mental health is something that most mom-to-be should be on top of. In case of a hospital-bed-rest, a pregnant woman tends to get into depression. The thoughts of not able to prepare the nursery for the new baby, not able to spend time with family, getting pampered etc. tends to sadden a woman. Consultation with mental health experts can be extremely fruitful to be mentally ready for the labour.

Community service supports can do wonders:

Being on hospital-bed for months together could be a tough ask. Apart from depression, there could be issues like boredom and mental fatigue. There exist community support organizations who aid in uplifting the spirits of would-be-mothers by providing services such as the spa, nail and hair treatments within the hospital.

Family support is the key:

The feeling of being alone in a hospital could be agonizing for a would-be-mother. It is, therefore, necessary for family and friends to frequently visit the patient and uplift her mood in every manner they can. Not only does it subside the boredoms but helps a mother to spend some family time without being at home. It immensely helps.

Maintaining a daily routine:

Bed rest in a hospital is a marathon. It is, therefore, necessary to maintain a schedule that keeps a would-be- mother engaged. Habits such as reading, solving crossword puzzles etc can greatly help to stay engaged. It should be remembered that every 24-hours count. More the number of hours put on the bed, better it is for the baby.