Gestational Surrogacy Canada – Each week I get many questions from Surrogates, about pregnancy, and birth. This week’s question reminded me how fragile pregnancy can be in the first few months.
Q: I am 14 weeks pregnant, and am bleeding. My OB wants me to be on bed rest. What does this mean for me, and for my Intended parents?
A: It is estimated that up to 20% of ivf pregnancy have some bleeding in the early stages, however if bleeding persists, or becomes problematic, your Dr may suggest bed rest until the bleeding subsides. If bleeding occurs, it is important to call your OB immediately, and then of course to call your intended parents to advise them of the bleeding. Your intended parents (distance permitting) may want to accompany you to the OBs office, or hospital to ensure that you, and baby are okay.
We have put together a list of questions to ask your Dr about bed rest, to ensure that you have all the information you need to create a care plan for your family. Here they are:
* How long do you anticipate I will be on bed rest?
*How much can I move around? Do I need to stay in bed? May I sit up? If yes, how much?
*Is it okay to stand? For how long?
*How much walking is okay?
*May I move to the sofa or to a lounge chair outside during the day? Sit at the table for meals?
*Is it okay to lift my toddler?
*What about household chores? May I make meals?
*Is it okay to drive?
*What about caring for my kids? What can and can’t I do?
*What level of sexual activity is safe? Do I need to avoid orgasm?
*May I take a break and go out to dinner or lunch or to church once in a while as long as I’m careful about avoiding any excessive activity?
*Should I keep track of the baby’s movements, and if so, how?
*Will I be having more frequent appt’s, or ultrasounds?
*What problems or symptoms should prompt a call to you?
It is so important to have these questions answered for yourself, but also for your intended parents, so that they can be a support to you, whether sending you prepared meals, or helping to find someone to come in to your home to care for you.
There are some great online resources for those on bed rest, here are a few that we particularly like:
http://www.keepemcookin.com/bedrest.aspx
http://www.sidelines.org/
http://www.fertilethoughts.com/forums/bed-rest-support/
Please continue to send in your questions, and we will do our best to answer them for you.
Leia