Why bed rest?

[2due]

Hi Everyone,

I am 22 weeks along with twin boys and I have noticed there are a lot of you on bed rest, which concerns me because I can't afford to go on bed rest because my job doesn’t provide short or long-term disability. I was hoping you could fill me in on what determines if you need bed rest or not, and can it be for short periods of time or for the remainder of the pregnancy. Thanks for your answers!

Good luck to you all!
Lori

[HopeNFaith]

Lori,

I was on bedrest in the beginning of my pregnancy because I had bleeding that they couldn't explain. It was precautionary, not sure the bedrest helped at all in this situation. I'm a teacher and that was over the summer so it didn't effect my job. That lasted for about a month. Once the bleeding stopped, I was able to go back to semi-normal routine, taking it easy when possible.

But now I'm back on bedrest because my cervix began to open and they did a cerclage to keep it shut. I'm on bedrest for the remainder of the pregnancy. (due in Feb./40 weeks) This time I know it will make a difference because I can't put extra strain on my body, especially my cervix.

My job doesn't provide disability either. But we have a sick bank which I've applied for. If they don't approve it, we will end up taking out a loan to cover the loss of income. Not what we want to do right now. So I understand your concern.

There are lots of reasons for bedrest and it can be short-term or long-term (I'm a good example of both!), it depends on WHY you got put on bedrest.

Hopefully it won't happen to you. There are lots of women who have multiples and never go on bedrest, so don't worry needlessly.

Just take it easy and look into your options in case it should happen. It's not fun, but I'm hanging in there because I know it makes a world of difference to my babies.

Good luck!

[mytwingirls]

Hi Lori,

I was just put on the bed rest 2 weeks ago. I was at little over 21w at that time and felt perfectly fine. Never had any problems. One day I felt like my lower baby was kicking inside my cervix..very unusual feeling. It almost felt like something is going to fall out! Called my OB the next day and he had me come in imediately to check my cervix. I was not dialated, but he sent me to the perinatal unit at the hospital to have cervical lenght exam. My cervix was only 1cm and funneling!!! I was scared to death. They performed emergency cerclage the next morning and I was at the hospital for 5 days total.
Now, I am home on the bed rest and will be for rest of this pregnancy. Fortunately, I have excellent benefits at work and I don't have to worry about being paid. I was put on a short term disability and will be getting a full pay check for up to 6 months!!!
We spent so much money on infertility treatments (2IVF's and meds, no coverage for IF) so, this is like a little pay off.
Anyway, I hope that your pregnancy goes uneventful and you don't have to worry about being on the bed rest.

Wish you all the best!

[Cheri]

Lori,

First, I think you're getting a skewed view of the actual % of women put on bedrest for pregnancy on this site. This just happens to be a good forum for those of us on bedrest to chat with each other. The reality is that the majority of pregnancies and even twins do perfectly fine and never have to be on bedrest. So, please don't think that it will automatically happen to you, because hopefully it won't :) However, you should talk to your OB and find out what is a realistic time frame for you and work. Many women preg. with twins are taken off earlier than singleton moms, so keep this in mind.

This is my second pregnancy and I've had bedrest (short and longterm) for both. With my first I was also hospitalized for 2 months. My reason is like many of the other women here...incompetent cervix and preterm labor.

It can be very worrisome being taken off work without notice and financially very difficult at times. But, because I've been through it twice I can honestly say that for some reason it always works out and even when we thought we were at the end of our rope, we made it. I did the whole IVF thing 2 times as well and of course that was expensive enough. I added more disability insurance last year through my work plan, so I will be getting that in addition to my regular disability, which will help.

Good luck!

[Liz in SC]

Also, be aware that even if you are never formally placed on bedrest, you probably should plan to do a lot of informal resting by the time you hit your third trimester.

Thus far, I have a "medically perfect" twin pregnancy (no anemia, no gestational diabetes, long/closed cervix, low BP, concordant growth at an excellent rates, etc.) But by about 28-29 weeks I had to cut back to afternoons only at work because I needed the mornings to nap. I literally could not stay awake after rising to eat breakfast! I am in my 34th week now and am winding up work and planning to be done by next week.

Barbara Luke's excellent book (When you're expecting twins, triplets or quads) suggests a 2 hour nap morning, noon and evening in your 3rd trimester. This may be a bit excessive, but you definitely stand a better chance of carrying those babes to term if you listen to your body and don't push yourself. My 2 are both well over 50% of singleton weights for their gestational age, which I attribute at least in part to the fact I am not trying to do much other than grow them!

Although it may be somewhat costly to cut back on your work hours as your pregnancy progresses, just think how much more costly it will be if your babes make an early appearance with the associated medical problems.

Good luck!

[2due]

Thanks everyone! I feel a lot better after reading your responses. I too have gone through IVF. I got lucky my first try with two embryos, and thankfully my insurance covered it all, only because I get my insurance through my husband's employer. I was mostly concerned because I saw so many of you on bed rest around the same week that I am at. My employer has said I will be able to work at home a couple days a week once I hit my 28th week, which is what my doctor suggested. I just pray I don't have to go on bed rest, but if that's what it takes, then so be it. I am sure things will work out.

Thanks again everyone and I am glad you are all doing well!

Lori

[MamaSherry]

Hi all,

Just found this thread and very happy I did. I was almost 19 weeks and went for my normal ultrasound and found out I was carrying twins. I was in shocks for a few days and then to my OB/GYN a week later. He stressed me so much while telling me I should be off work at 20 weeks but didn't ask until a little later what I did. Said I couldn't do anything physical after 24 weeks.

I am so glad to read you posts as my BP and sugars have been normal. Everything has been good to date so I couldn't understand why all the caution. At my first ultrasound the technician said everything was fine and the growth was the same. I even played competitive soccer up to the end of Septemeber and probably never would have had I known I was having twins. At least I know bedrest is not what happends or has to to everyone.

I guess they will do regular measures of my cervix come December I think at my next ultrasound. I love this site and messge board as it helps me to understand why my life feels like I have gone 360 in the last couple weeks.

Thanks all!
Hugs,

[Heather+2]

I was never on bed rest, went swimming twice a week until 2 days before delivery, was not in great shape before (or now), drove till the end, and delivered at 40 induced. The babies were 6lb 12oz and 7lb.
It can happen!! I know when I found out that I was having twins (at my 23 week ultrasound ....AHHHHHH!!!!!!) I was terrified of bedrest. I have 2 other daughters and didn't know what I would do. I am a SAHM and didn't work outside the house. I rested when I needed it and ate really well.
I am just trying to tell you not to worry, you have no say in the matter. Your body will tell you, if you listen, when you need to slow down. LISTEN TO YOUR INSTINCTS, DON'T PUSH YOURSELF TO HARD AND DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!!!!!
Good luck with your pregnancy and sending good vibes to all.

[mama2jared+2]

Like Heather said, no one can really predict if you are going to need bed rest or not. Unfortunately I did need strict hospital bedrest with the twins. But I have ID twin sisters, that my mom delivered 9 days after her due date! :eek: And they both have a set of twins. Brina was on home bedrest for 6 weeks and delivered at 38 weeks and Kelly worked up until the week before her due date and delivered at 39 weeks 6 days. So you really never know, but if you do need to go on bedrest, take it seriously no matter how hard it may be. Whatever obligations you may have, none will be as important as delivering healthy babies.

[Ela]

Hi ladies... I agree with all of you.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I wished I could be at home more, and at least work less hours during the day as of today (and I am 22 wks 'only')....

My work provides Short term disability, but I basically lose tons of $$ if I don't make it until my 2nd anniversary here :-( which isn't until I am 34 wks!!!!!

Basically they will pay me 100% for 8 wks and ten 60% if I make it until that time... Otherwise, it's 100% for only 2ks and 60% for remainder of maternity (total 12 wks)

Obviously if my OB tells me to stay put at home, I will have to, but I was going to ask her to write up something for me a few wks prior to delivery so I can be more comfortable.

I am already MISERABLE sitting, walking, etc. Sciatica bothers me every half hr and my back hurts me like ****.... I can't imagine how things willl be in a couple of months... I am considering using my remaining vac time for the year (6 days) to go home earlier, becasue the days are just too long!!!!

I don't want to go onto bedrest and I hope I won't... but sitting at my desk for 8 hrs at least is unbearable already!!!

ELA
TWINS
22wks

[chauvina]

We just found out at our first ultrasound at 21 weeks. It's such a shock. So far my dr. hasn't said anything about bedrest and even said step aerobics is okay as long as I take it easy and don't get overheated.
I agree about work though.. I'm only 22 weeks but can barely make it at work. I'm just so tired. I'm not having any problems sleeping I just feel like physically having to be somewhere 40 hours a week is too much. I only have 5 days sick leave and it's dwindling by the week. I come in late at least twice and leave early about twice (only an hour) but that can't go on for the remainder of the pregnancy. We get 12 weeks off but I don't know how I'm going to be able to come back full time. I don't want to have to use daycare. I'm hoping my boss will let me work half time but that's half the money. I guess we have some time to work it out. Good luck

[MamaSherry]

Chauvina,

I know you must feel like with work and pressures, it can be a lot to worry about at times but try and not worry. Just focus on the pregnancy right now and taking care of the little darlings. They are the main focus and everything else will take care of itself in due time.

hugs,

[kohnracing25]

I was just wondering about the differences in types of bedrest. We just found out at 20 weeks we are having twins and are very excited. This is my 3rd/4th children and didn't really have any problems during my pregnancy but both my daughters were 3 weeks early and from what I am reading the twins my be early too so I am preparing for bedrest and not sure what that exactly means.
We had our ultra sound last Monday and I don't see the doc. until 11/17 so I was just wondering if anyone had any answers for me.
Thanks

Tiffany
Shelby - 1/7/93
Meghan 2/25/98
Twins -edd 3/20/03

[And Twins Make 5]

Tiffany,
You'll generally hear about three different types of bedrest. The first and least restrictive is sometimes called house arrest. You are basically told to remain home as much as possible without work outside the home or any other extensive trips other than for doctor visits. While home, you should rest the majority of the time but can be up and about as long as you take it easy. The second is strict home bedrest (I was on this for approx 12 weeks due to an incompetent cervix and pre-term contrax). I was told to remain in bed 24 hours a day, allowed to sit up to eat, go to the bathroom as necessary and shower (briefly) once a day. The only time I was to leave the house was for doctor visits. I did get permission to go to my mothers house on occasion for a change of scenery as long as I again stayed on my back. The third is hospital bedrest. Pretty self-explanatory, you spend the time in the hospital being closely monitored and of course in bed full-time.

Fortunately, there are many women who successfully carry their twins to full-term with no complicatons and no bedrest. The biggest thing is to listen to your body and don't overdue and follow the advice of your physician closely. And, if it comes to bedrest, you can survive it and it's all worth it in the end.

[kohnracing25]

And Twins Makes 5

Thanks for the info. I think that I have been reading too much on the bedrest issue. I am maybe worring too much but I guess I just want all the infor I can get.

I see the doc on 11/17 agian and just not sure what he is going to say. So thanks again!!!

Tiffany