A requirement of bed rest during pregnancy affects as many as one in five women. More than half a million expectant mothers each year are prescribed bed rest by their health care providers. Multiple pregnancies, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure or premature labor are some of the medical conditions that put the baby's and/or mother's health at high risk.

There are some positive benefits of bed rest, some of which include a decrease in physical and emotional stress, lower blood pressure, a reduction in vaginal bleeding and a slowing down or stopping of premature contractions and more. Since every woman and pregnancy is different, so is her bed rest experience. While some women are required to spend their entire pregnancy in bed, others only require bed rest during their early pregnancy. If your health care provider recommends bed rest, get all the details and requirements of what you need to do for a healthy pregnancy. Mild health conditions probably will allow more flexibility than a severe condition that may require strict bed rest.

Be sure to ask questions so you know the severity of your condition and how much bed rest you need. You may want to ask your health care provider the following questions: Are you allowed to get out of bed for a shower and to use the bathroom? Can you prepare meals for yourself or for your family? Is there a particular position you should lie down in? Is sitting up allowed in a chair or on a couch? Will you be able to drive to appointments or other places? Is it safe to participate in sexual activity? Is it ok to pick up small children while sitting?

To help make the most of your bed rest experience, find out exactly what your limitations are and come up with a plan to manage it. Bed rest can be boring and frustrating. However, you can keep busy with a few activities to pass the time. Some activities you may want to try:

Reading - Whether you brush up on parenting skills or a romance novel, this is a great time to get lost in a book.

Scrapbook - This is a good time to catch up on scrap booking if you're behind. If you're caught up or have never scrap booked before, start a book or album for the new baby. If you don't have the right supplies, order online and have them shipped to you.

Baby Preparation - Order everything you need for your bundle of joy online. Compare prices, read product reviews, make lists and have an online baby shower.

Online Chat rooms - Other bed rest moms are out there to share ideas, stories, parenting skills and more. Make new friends while passing the time away.

Some other tips to help are:

- Have water, snacks and the TV remote close by.

- Keep a list of items you need for a family member to gather for you.

- Household tasks can be accomplished by creating a support group of family and friends. Neighbors and church members may also be willing to help.

- Keep books and magazines nearby.

- Always get dressed and keep up with daily hygiene routines.

- Write a journal about your experience.

Remember you are not only on bed rest for yourself but for your unborn baby as well. Focus on a healthy pregnancy and delivery. At the end of it all is the reward of a beautiful baby.