Pregnant and on bed rest, need help!?

Question

My wife is 29 weeks pregnant and was just placed on bed rest because she went into preterm labor.
While in the hospital they had her hooked up to a machine that pressurized these sleeves on her legs. When we left the hospital they gave her some real tight tights to wear instaed. Today they delivered a machine simular to what they had in the hospital for her legs except the leg sleeves are huge and very uncomfortable.
My question is have any women out there been on bed rest during pregnancy and did they have to use something like this? I've been reading alot and I don;t think they are really neccessary. What did you use for your legs while on bed rest? She will be on best rest until the baby is born... hopefully not til a few months from now.

Answer 1

I was on bedrest for 6 weeks this spring after going into labor at 32 weeks. My son made it all the way to 38 weeks!!!! Anyway, I didn't have to have those but I know what you're talking about. Her doctor is worried about blood clots and that is why he has ordered them. I can imagine it would be uncomfortable but if your wife develops blood clots not only can the fetus die, but so can your wife. My doctor gave me exercises I could do while sitting that wouldn't put stress on my body. You can ask about those but chances are, she's going to have to stick with the other thing.
Good luck to you and your wife. Bed rest is very very difficult and extremely emotionally draining. Feel free to email me for sympathy or any questions.

Answer 2

Did you ask the hospital to explain exactly what the leg sleeves are necessary? You always have the right to ask again if the explanation wasn't clear. Does your wife have varicose veins or any other discomforts? If not, then I'd say the leg sleeves are unnecessary and does not affect whether she goes into labor again or not. Tight tights are generally not good either, it's good to have the blood circulation flowing freely. Bed rest is bed rest, and not restriction of any body parts. Of course, I don't know exactly what your situation is. You could ask your doctor or get a second doctor's advice. That might be a better option. When I was about three months pregnant, my doctor wanted my hospitalized since I had some pains in my stomach. He was quite adamant about it. I changed doctors and this doctor was totally fine with me just continuing as normal. She said the pains were nothing to worry about. She was right. I carried the baby to full term and he's now perfectly healthy. A different doctor's opinion might be a better idea. Try a big hospital, the smaller ones usually give you all this stuff so they can make more money. Wish you and your wife a healthy baby!

Answer 3

I am currently on bed rest myself. I was first put on bedrest because my feet started to swell so bad that i thought it was going to break. It swelled on the top of the foot and also on the sides. I was given a surgically shoe to wear to keep pressure off the feet. That was a few weeks ago. Also around the same time I found out that I had an incomplete cervix. I will be 7 months on tuesday and the doctor wants me on bedrest until I am 34 weeks because he is scared that I might go into preterm labor. I never would have imagined being on bedrest from 5months. It is driving me crazey. I am not really allowed to go outside or walk around too much. I can lay in the bed or sit in the chair. I had a doc appt today and was told that the cervix has gotten shorter and weaker. I have to go back on monday to have anther cervical check done. The doctor wants me to think about taking a steriod just in case the baby comes early. This will help his lungs develop if that is the case. I am not ready for him to come this early. Hopefully he can hang on until oct. Tell your wife that I sympathize with what she is going thru. It is fun for a while to be home and not to work, but then it starts to drive you crazey. Good luck, and I hope that everything goes ok with your baby.

Answer 4

I've never heard of such a practice in my 22 years of being an RN in the ER. I'm guessing that this "doctor" is using this "machine" that inflates and deflates to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) a clot in the leg which may be a result of venous stasis which is pooling of blood in the legs due to immobility (bed rest;long term)Of course have great medical insurance may have been a factor for instigating the "machine" I'm concerned that you have stood idly by as these treatments have been done. Since she is considered high risk and is in late pregnancy, both of you are stuck with this physician. I hope you become her active patient advocate and not the usual bystander sperm donor. Ask questions, a lot of questions. Write them down before going to a doctor's visit. Is your doctor an MD or a DO? Do you know? Parenthood is the most important job you will ever have.I will pray for you both. And yes, I hope this pissed you off enough to grow up and take the reins.

Answer 5

Bed rest can cause blood clots to form in the legs, which could cause an anerism in the heart or brain. If the doctor prescribed the machine... use it. I would, however, talk to the doctor about the sleeves being to big and uncomfortable. They may have sent the wrong size. This machine is VERY IMPORTANT to your Wife's life. A blood clot could kill her in a instant.

Hope she delivers a full term with a happy & healthy baby!

Answer 6

She must be on some serious bedrest. Those tights are for circulation issues. I know sometimes doctor prescribe them for those taking long flights to help keep blood flowing throughout the legs and they also recommend getting up to walk on the plane every hour. Take it your wife is on complete bedrest since she needs the leg sleeves.

I am presently in my 10th week of bedrest, but the doctor allows me to get my food, use the restroom and get a shower. I am also able to go out for short periods of time. I had to get a pessary cerclage put in at 22 weeks due to incompetent cervix and than at 30 weeks went to the hospital 100% effaced and 1cm dilated. I am now 32 weeks and have to be on bedrest for 2 more weeks.

It's no fun that's for sure, make sure to give her books to read, puzzle books to do, laptop use and even an netflix account for the rest of the pregnancy, it will help pass the time.

Answer 7

Yes i have heard of it. They should be to promote circulation in her legs to make sure blood is flowing properly. Dont stress too much. Bed rest is not fun and if this is the first pregnancy things may feel even worse. I was put on bed rest due to back issues from week 27 on to 41! Do some research about the machine online. You can find alot of info on webmd.com or even call her OB and discuss the concerns you have with that dr.

Answer 8

The apparatus, called alternating pressure devices are to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs in bed-ridden patients. They are annoying, but can save lives. If she is not totally confined they'd be less important. The ACD's are to take the place of the natural compression that occurs with ambulation.

Answer 9

Oh my were are you from? I was on bed rest for both of my children and never had to do that. They just insisted on me not working around the house and walking alot. I would think maybe those leg things aren't needed.

But also I am not a dr. so maybe your wife is actually worse than most women who are put on bed rest.

Answer 10

sounds as if the "sleeves" do not fit..or are not on correctly. They are to prevent blood clots she needs to be properly fitted and shown how to use the machine. Call the company that delivered them and tell them you need another visit to be instructed on the use.