Coping with preterm labor isn’t easy, but it can be done. A good support system is needed. Preterm labor usually means bed rest. The earlier in your pregnancy this happens, the tougher it is. Learning to cope with the wait for the baby to mature is necessary for a healthy outcome.
If bed rest is prescribed, you don’t necessarily have to lie in your bed. I had several spots I would go to. The couch provided a comfortable spot, as did my recliner. Make sure to have plenty to drink with you at all times. Try to stay fairly close to the bathroom.
Change positions often. Perching in front of the TV is a good thing at this point; at least it gives you something to do. Keep the telephone nearby.
Enlist the help of relatives and friends. Many people are happy to help out in a situation such as this. If you don’t have anyone to help, enlist the help of your church. If you don’t attend a church, call the local health department to see if there are any volunteers or programs available to help you out.
One bit of advice, obey your health care provider! If they tell you to be on strict bed rest, then do it. If they’ve given you some medicine to help keep the contractions at bay, take it. And if you feel that labor is starting again, by all means go immediately to the hospital!
I can’t help but wonder if I had gone on to the hospital when I felt that first pain if it would have stopped then. But in any case, my baby made it to “term” and she is a thriving healthy child now!