BED REST DURING PREGNANCY

Everyone needs a lazy day once in a while to hang out in bed and do nothing. But when you're medically required to stay in bed for days, weeks, or even longer, it can be a drag!

Bed rest is a common treatment. Many as 20% of women are prescribed bed rest during some point in their pregnancy.

However, there are many different kinds of bed rest, so make sure to get specifics from your doctor on what they mean. According to What to Expect, "bed rest" can refer to scheduled periods of rest throughout the day, lying down all day (besides doing to the bathroom and bathing, of course), or something in between.

While bed rest is thought to help with pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, vaginal bleeding, and early labor, it does come with the side effects of discomfort and boredom. The National Institutes of Health suggests changing which side you lay on fairly regularly to prevent body aches.

It can be hard to stay in bed all day, especially if you're a highly active person. However, there are several things you can do to make the experience easier on yourself:

Have perspective. A little boredom and discomfort are worth a happy, healthy baby, right?

Be productive. Do all the things you were too busy to do before! Take advantage of your down time to register for gifts, read parenting books, and shop online for the things you need.

Be prepared. Before you settle into bed, make sure you have everything you need nearby. If you like reading, have some books or magazines on hand. If you get hungry during the day, keep a granola bar or some fruit on your nightstand. Whatever you might need during the day, make sure it's within reach.

Another downfall of long-term bed rest is the stress of not being able to work. If this is an issue for you and your family, short-term disability may be an option for you. To find out if you're eligible, get in touch with your company's human resources department.

Ultimately, remember that it's OK to feel anxious or depressed when you're stuck in bed. Don't let yourself get guilty or stressed over those normal emotions, and use your loved ones as a support system whenever you need it. And keep in mind that no matter how hard it might be right now, it's only temporary, and soon you'll have a beautiful, healthy baby to hold!