During my pregnancy with my now 4yo, I was prescribed modified bedrest when I was 8 weeks into the pregnancy. I was able to sit up to eat, sit at a reclined postion to watch tv, walk from sofa to my bed, get a glass of water, get up for bathroom visits as needed and a quick shower every day. I attended Dr. appointments in a wheelchair.
At 16 weeks I was put on strict bedrest and I was restricted to my bed or sofa in a full horizontal position. I was only allowed a quick shower every other day and I was able to get up to go to the bathroom when needed (the hospital required me to use a bedpan). I had to eat in a semi reclined position and I could not get myself a drink. To watch tv, I had to stay in a horizontal position with my head and shoulders elevated with only a pillow.
With my twins pregnancy, I was put on strict bedrest at 27 weeks. I was hospitalized for a week of it and they actually elevated my feet above my head. It was VERY difficult. Try peeing in a bedpan in that position! NOT fun! I was sent home with the same strict orders of the previous pregnancy.
Bedrest is not for sissies! It's hard and it's exhausting (go figure that one out). It's hard on your relationship with your spouse and if you have other children, hard on them as well. I had the privelege of having a caregiver for me and my kids. To get us all through it, I had the power of prayer and my friends and church family bringing food and other neccessities. My church came every week and prayed with us and brought communion. I don't know how we would have gotten through it without such support.
In summary, Bedrest is exactly what it implies: Staying in the bed. It means you may not go to the office or grocery store. If your physician has prescribed complete bed rest, this means you may not leave the horizontal position. If he has prescribed modified bed rest, you may sit in a semi reclined postion, getting up for a quick daily shower and bathroom visits. Generally, depending on your reason for pre term labor, bed rest also means sex is off limits.
I I really think you need to contact your physician and get a very detailed explanation of his prescription for bedrest. You are not only responsible for your own health and safey but that precious little one inside. Don't take chances. Babies that are born too early, most of the time, struggle to stay alive and often times actually do only to have liflelong struggles with development.
This is a difficult time for you, I know. But it's so important to keep that little one developing in the safety of your womb for as long as possible. You can do this!
Godspeed!
