Passing the time.
So you’ve been matched, surrogate contracts are done, and medical screenings are passed. Next comes the embryo transfer! Many fertility clinics require Surrogates to lay on bed rest for 24-48 hours after the transfer to help keep that little embryo nestled in safely where it was placed. Or you are already pregnant but need to rest for medical reasons. “Yay!!” you think, “I will be FORCED to relax and take it easy…this will be great.” And it will, but after that first hour of checking your Facebook and email…then what? Here are 10 ideas of things to do while on maternity bed rest.
1) Netflix (If you don’t have it, borrow a friend’s login name for the day!)
Are you a fan of F.R.I.E.N.D.S? Every season is now available on Netflix! I know this because I saw my mom watching them from her iPad on her stationary bike the other day. Other full series also available are The Walking Dead (if you’re into the zombie thing), Dr. Who, Mad Men, if you’re from my generation you might be excited to hear they have Freaks and Geeks! BBC’s Sherlock is also available and is honestly an amazing show. Also if you’ve been living under a rock you can join the obsession with Breaking Bad and Sons of Anarchy!
2) Skype
If you’re like me and have your best friend in a whole other state, Skype is a true friendship saver! If you know you’re going to be stuck in bed for a while, book a few Skype dates with loved ones who are far away! Take the time to catch up, joke, and really just enjoy how funny you look talking on a webcam while lying down.
3) Food Delivery Apps
Pizza’s nice and all, but I’m not always in the mood for a big box of grease. (Though sometimes it really hits the spot.) There are a few apps available for your smart phone or iPad that allow you to order food from local restaurants and have it delivered right to your house! A quick trip to answer the door, and then back in bed with a yummy plate of Indian food! Yum.
-Eat24: This app allows you to enter your address and then shows you all the places around you that deliver. You can even place your order through the app, pay, and have it show up to your front door! I used the app a lot while on bed rest, (and sometimes even when I just didn’t feel like cooking. 34 weeks pregnant, and I wasn’t exactly enthused about standing in front of a stove for 30 mins to make a dinner.)
-GrubHub: This is another similar app and will deliver food to your house as well. Both have great reviews.
Enjoy a little Netflix.
4) Crafts
Personally I enjoy scrapbooking and beadwork. I will arrange a box of supplies, and photos I plan on using for my scrapbooking and keep it by the bed. You could also try knitting, coloring (because who doesn’t love the smell of Crayola Crayons?) Jewelry making, or zentangle. If you are not the crafting type, continue to number five.
5) Read a Book
Reading is a great way to escape the confines of your bed/couch/etc without actually leaving. I am a fan of historical fiction, and some distopian fiction. If you are looking for a new book or series to read, here is the link to the current NY Times best seller list:
http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/
6) Card Games
Solitaire anyone? If you’re by yourself you can venture to play Solitaire. If you have someone with you here is a link to card games you can play with two people!
http://hubpages.com/hub/Card-Games-You-Can-Play-With-Two-People
7) Games on iPad or Smart Phone
A sure fire way to pass time on your phone is with these awesome games and apps!
-Pinterest: I could honestly spend hours browsing recipes and photography tips on this app. I have boards for almost every major interest in my life. Its a great way to organize articles you love, or tips and tricks for your home.
-Candy Crush: I know some people that LOVE this game, and some people who despise it. Either way it can pass the time (and drain your battery so better plug in.)
-Scrabble and Wordsearch: These apps are actually free to download if you don’t mind the occasional pop up ad.
Why not treat yourself?
8) Treat Yourself
Laying in bed might seem uninteresting and boring, so I usually buy my self a few small treats that I don’t allow myself to indulge in until I am in bed.
-Thick fuzzy crazy colored socks
– A bag of Ghiradelli chocolate.
– New lip gloss
– Scented lotion
– New Comfy fuzzy pajamas just for this occasion
9) Nap
Well you’re laying there, you might as well take a nap! Lord knows I could catch up on some sleep. We’re all mothers here, isn’t sleep deprivation kind of a staple anyways? Sleep woman!
10) Amazon Shopping
Ok this one can get a little “dangerous” but why not buy yourself some fun things from Amazon?! Treat yourself to a little gift, because you are doing an amazing thing and you deserve a little reward for yourself.
Regardless of what you do make sure you rest up and make yourself happy. If all else fails you can reach out to one of your surro sisters at Surrogate Alternatives! 🙂
These are only a few of our favorite bed rest activities; how do you bed rest during pregnancy? Head on over to our SAI Facebook fan page and let us know!
-Written by Corinne Oestreich
