Walking bed rest, sounds like a bit of an oxymoron doesn’t it?
Well I am here to tell you that there is such a thing, as described and named by my doctor. It isn’t too bad actually, I have been on full bed rest before, and I think I like this walking bed rest a bit better.
On Tuesday we had the typical 20 week ultrasound done, we found out that we are having a girl (that will make five!) and that she is wonderfully formed and very healthy. We couldn’t be happier and are so thankful for her health. (And no,we are not disappointed that it isn’t a boy, she is what is needed for our family) However, we found that there may be some problems with me. Two to be exact.
First, I have a superficial blood clot in my upper leg area. This honestly doesn’t concern me much, I have had superficial blood clots before, when I had my leg surgeries this summer. The doctor is going to watch it closely and we are treating it conservatively at this point, with Ibuprofen, hot packs and essential oils. He also ordered a complete ultra sound of the leg affected, and there are no other clots lurking around and blood flow is good. I am confident that this will just resolve its self.
Second, they found that I have partial placenta previa meaning that my placenta has partially covered the cervix, which can potentially be very serious. This is where “walking bed rest” comes in. I have already had some symptoms of placenta problems (bleeding) so I am supposed to take it easy, as not to jar the placenta anymore. The instructions were: rest as much as you can, don’t lift anything heaver than a gallon of milk (approx 10 pounds), no heavy cleaning, no vacuuming, don’t let yourself get tired, lay down as much as you can, and no “ahem”.
While this does cramp my style a little, (do you realize how many things weight more than 10 pounds? like a full grocery cart, or my youngest child), it really isn’t that bad. Like I said before I have been on full bed rest, and while I was completely helpless with that, this walking bed rest still gives me a lot of freedom. I can go places, do most of my household stuff, and take care of most every thing I need to do. All the other things can be done by my older girls or Dadzoo when he is home. The hardest part, is to sit down and let them serve.
In four weeks I go back for another ultra sound to see in anything has changed, the placenta can move farther up in the uterus as it expands in pregnancy. If that is the case, then I am back to normal, and that is what we are praying for, the other scenarios are too scary to even thing about (although I am!).
In four weeks I go back for another ultra sound to see in anything has changed, the placenta can move farther up in the uterus as it expands in pregnancy. If that is the case, then I am back to normal, and that is what we are praying for, the other scenarios are too scary to even thing about (although I am!).
So if you are carrying something heavy and I am around, and I don’t offer to help, sorry….
walking bed rest!
I hope everything improves and you're able to get off even walking bed rest. Hugs! (and prayers)
You know we just live next door. Please dont ever hesitate to ask for help or call if you need anything. 801-949-8907 I am home most of the time during the day just hanging with my boys. Tommy is welcome to come over any time if you just need a break but I can also be pretty handy at many other house hold things too. Just let us know. Hope all goes well.
Don't worry too much about the placenta… they move around a lot. Despite how it seems they aren't firmly attached in one place. They can move around your uterus. I know of several women who had complete placenta previas whose placentas moved away before birth. One woman said that she did a lot of praying and talking to her body and got a blessing. So hopefully your placenta will move… you still have lots of time!
That is hard about not being able to carry heavy things. Especially with little ones around. Here is a few posts by one of my friends that I thought was really interesting about bed rest and might help explain why a "walking bed rest" is possible and recommend.
http://birthfaith.org/category/bed-rest
Best wishes.
I too am hoping that all goes well with you. Five girls is pretty amazing!! We will keep you in our prayers. Get a blessing. Those really do work (and help with the worry besides!)
Been thinking about you! I was on full (well mostly full) bed rest with my oldest son; it isn't easy I know.
I sincerely hope that your next doctor visit brings the news we all hope and pray for!
BTW–I'm very excited to hear that you are having another little girl!
God bless you and yours,
Aimee