quick clicks

pregnancy today articles

pregnancy today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

A Better Bed Rest

Tips and Advice for Surviving Pregnancy Downtime

By Sue Marquette Poremba

"Women with complicated pregnancies or who are on bed rest often feel that no one understands their situations," says Nancy Veeneman, an online director for Sidelines, a nonprofit organization with trained volunteers who are available to listen, share feelings, give non-medical advice and be an extra support system. Veeneman also suggests contacting local hospitals to see if there are support services for pregnant women or if they can recommend a social worker who can help.

The last thing a woman on bed rest needs is more stress, but if she is responsible for part (or all) of the family income, there is the concern of the unexpected loss of income. However, disability insurance for medical leave may be available, as are other options. LaShaunda Hoffman of St. Louis, Mo., encountered such options when she spent the last three months of her pregnancy on bed rest.

"I was blessed with donated leave, which helped cover my insurance needs," she says. "My employer was excellent. He believed my health was more important than a job. I came back to work with no problems." Ask your employer's human resources department if there are options such as sick days donated by co-workers.

Want to see more?

• The Bed Rest Blues: Moms Share Their Tips on How to Survive
• Being a Laid-back Mama: Beating Stress is Good for Expectant Moms
• Just for Fun: Pregnancy Video Guide
• Talk about it!