Bed rest ... again... with Baby #2.

[Anonymous]

I was on bed rest, with the Terbutaline pump, with my first child starting at 26 weeks and delivered him at 36 weeks. He's healthy and happy and it was, in the end, worth every minute of the isolating feeling of bedrest. I'm now 18 weeks into my second pregnancy and was just ordered to do bedrest again. This time it's for a different complication. But I feel so disheartened. I know I'm not the only woman who has had to do this with more than one child, but I'm frustrated and angry that I can't have that blissful pregnancy experience (if there is such a thing!). And it's so hard to explain to my 21 month old why I can't run around with him right now. I know I'm just feeling sorry for myself, but I'd love to hear from other moms who have survived bedrest the second time around. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry to hear about your circumstances. I'm almost in the exact same situation. I was on bedrest the last time around, and am facing going on bedrest at 5 months (I'm not out of my first trimester yet) this time. It was so hard, especially because I also had a toddler who didn't understand why I wouldn't get out of bed and play.

A friend of mine got me hooked up with something called "sidelines" during my last pregnancy. I was assigned to a "buddy/mentor" who kept in touch with me throughout my pregnancy and kept my spirits up. It was helpful.

But it did not keep depression away. The isolation is too overwhelming. This time around, I plan to get on an anti-depressant for this exact reason.

And, I have not been shy about asking everyone I know to come visit, email, call and entertain me. I'm doing this not for myself, but to keep those stress hormones from jeopardizing my pregnancy.

Best of luck to you during your pregnancy. If you want an email correspondent, I'd be happy to stay in touch. I've been there and know how slowly time passes.

[Anonymous]

I would love to have an email correspondent, especially to discuss the depression aspect. I had PPD last time, and I think it was a combination of several factors, including the isolation of bedrest. What's your email?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would love to have an email correspondent, especially to discuss the depression aspect. I had PPD last time, and I think it was a combination of several factors, including the isolation of bedrest. What's your email?

I am not PP, but you should post your contact info first. Sorry about the bedrest. I was on for 11 weeks (1 time) and my sister was on for a lot more w/both her pregnancies. Do you belong to a church or synagogue that might help organize lunchtime visits? That made a world of difference for me.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP, I'm the 11:48 PP.

I'd rather not post my email here (same as my name) but will definitely send a first note if you provide yours. I hope that many of your friends will do this for you to keep your spirits up.

Before you decide to take my offer to be a bedrest email correspondent, I should warn you that the outcome of my last pregnancy was not good. If that bothers you, then I wouldn't want to stress you out. I'm very optimistic about the outcome this time, and will be going on bedrest as prevention.

Again, best of luck to you!

[Anonymous]

Hi. OP here. My email is [e-mail].

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

ask you doctor for an ffn test. if that test is negative you should not need to be on bedrest. All the research suggests that bed rest does nothing to prevent a pre term birth!
who is your doctor? i would definately question them, especially since you delivered at 36 weeks the last time and a turbutaline pump is a miserable thing to have to be on if not necessary. again, if ffn is negative, no need for unnecessary drugs.