There is added pressure on finances if the mother has had to stop working to bed rest. Not to mention the possibility of added medical expenses not only from the pregnancy itself, but the possibility of a premature baby. Not everyone has good insurance or insurance at all.
"The other thing that was difficult, was dealing with the attitude of my husband's employer, they proved to be inconsiderate idiots during my pregnancy," complains Cindy, who is now pregnant with a third child.
Others find that boredom and loneliness are what really gets to them. What do you do to deal with the hours and pass the time? All of the people I interviewed for this article said that the web and that Internet Relay Chat (IRC) really saved their lives. Some used mailing lists to talk to women in similar situations.
"At first I passed time by watching TV. Then that lost its interest and I read a book everyday. Thankfully My husband got me interested in the computer and I spent a huge amount of time on IRC and surfing the web," says Riggall. "It was a life saver. My friends on IRC were able to keep me sane. All that time alone gives you too much time to worry."
And when asked what advice they would give, each had learned a lot to share with the moms and families who would follow in their footsteps...
"When I was put on bed rest, it didn't really click that it was for real and that it was serious business. I had 3 hospital stays and numerous visits to L&D . For words of wisdom, it would be that it is serious business , and that you have to take the doctors words so seriously, I think that people tend to stick their head in the sand and think that nothing bad could happen," offers Cindy.
Riggall states support is key, "Try to stay focused. Its so hard to spent too much time worrying or feeling sorry for yourself. Build a network of friends and family that know why you are in bed."
"To think positive, and talk with your husband about what your feeling. Remember in the end you will have a precious baby in your arms. And don't let your mind wonder to think bad thoughts, and don't hold your feelings in, a good cry helps sometimes," reminds Murray.
Remember who you are doing this for, was resounded by all!
"Brianna was born on December 12th. She was 4 weeks early was in ICU for 8 days because of respriartory distress, low blood sugar and jaundice," says Cindy. Riggall is pleased to announce Gillian arrived safely at 6 pounds 13 ounces, 19 inches, "Tiny, but powerful!"
