Stuck Horizontal? 50 Productive Things To Do During Pregnancy Bed Rest

The nesting instinct can be powerful, and it doesn’t just disappear because you’re off your feet. Channel that preparatory energy into tasks you can accomplish from your laptop or phone. Getting these things done will give you a wonderful sense of control and accomplishment.

• Build Your Baby Registry: This is the perfect time to deep-dive into product reviews. Research the safest car seats, the most-loved strollers, and the softest swaddles. Use sites like Babylist to add items from any store.
• Shop for Essentials Online: Once your registry is set, start ordering the must-haves. Think diapers, wipes, postpartum care items for you, and those adorable first outfits. Having them arrive at your door will feel like Christmas.
• Design the Nursery Layout: Use a simple online room planner or even just a piece of paper to sketch out where the crib, changing table, and rocker will go. You can direct your partner or family on the setup.
• Research and Interview Pediatricians: Create a shortlist of pediatricians in your area that are covered by your insurance. Many offer virtual meet-and-greets, allowing you to find the perfect doctor for your family from the comfort of your bed.
• Write Your Birth Plan: A birth plan is a way to communicate your preferences for labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Research your options for pain management, newborn procedures, and feeding. Remember it’s a list of preferences, not a script, as flexibility is key.
• Pack Your Virtual Hospital Bag: Make a detailed list on your phone of everything you, your partner, and your baby will need for the hospital. You can then have your partner gather the items and pack the actual bag for you.
• Take an Online Childbirth Class: Many hospitals and independent educators offer comprehensive childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes online. You can learn everything you need to know at your own pace.
• Create a Postpartum Support Plan: Who will bring you meals? Who can watch the baby while you nap? Who is your go-to for emotional support? Write down names and roles to create a solid support system for after the birth.
• Choose and Order Birth Announcements: Browse sites like Minted or Etsy to find the perfect birth announcement design. You can pre-populate a spreadsheet with names and addresses so you’re ready to go.
• Set Up Baby’s 529 College Savings Plan: It’s never too early to start! Research and open a 529 plan. It’s a productive task that will benefit your child for years to come.

This quiet time offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and mental wellness. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do physically, focus on what you can do for your mind and spirit. This is an investment in the patient and centered parent you want to be.

• Read All the Books: Catch up on your fiction list or dive into parenting books. Whether it’s “The Happiest Baby on the Block” or the latest thriller, now is the time to read without interruption.
• Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks: Give your eyes a rest and immerse yourself in stories or knowledge. There are incredible podcasts on pregnancy, parenting, comedy, and every niche interest imaginable.
• Learn a New Skill with an Online Course: Websites like Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy offer thousands of courses, from coding and graphic design to photography and creative writing. Learn something just for you.
• Start a Pregnancy Journal: Document your thoughts, feelings, and physical changes. Write letters to your baby. This journal will become a priceless keepsake of this unique time in your life.
• Practice Guided Meditation: Apps like Calm or Headspace offer guided meditations specifically for pregnancy, helping to ease anxiety and connect with your body and baby.
• Learn a New Language: Use apps like Duolingo or Babbel for fun, bite-sized lessons. Imagine being able to sing your baby a lullaby in another language!
• Watch Documentaries: Expand your horizons by exploring topics you’ve always been curious about. Streaming services are filled with fascinating documentaries on nature, history, science, and art.
• Create a Vision Board: What do you envision for your life as a new parent? Cut out images from magazines or create a digital board on Pinterest that represents your hopes, dreams, and goals for your growing family.
• Practice Mindfulness and Deep Breathing: Focus on your breath and the sensations in your body. This simple practice can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and help you feel more present.
• Plan a Future Vacation: Give yourself something to look forward to! Research and plan a dream vacation for when you and the baby are ready to travel.

When your physical space is limited, organizing your digital space can provide a huge mental boost. Tackling these tasks will help you feel prepared and in control, clearing your mind for when the baby arrives.

• Organize Digital Photos: This is the big one! Sort through the thousands of photos on your phone and computer. Create folders by year and event, delete duplicates, and back everything up to a cloud service or external hard drive.
• Create a Family Budget: Use a spreadsheet or a budgeting app like YNAB or Mint to create a new family budget that accounts for baby-related expenses like diapers, formula or breastfeeding supplies, and childcare.
• Meal Plan for Postpartum: You won’t have the energy to think about what to eat after the baby arrives. Plan 4-6 weeks of simple, freezable meals. Create detailed recipes and shopping lists for your partner or family to use.
• Set Up Online Bill Pay: Automate as many of your recurring bills as possible. This will be a lifesaver when you’re sleep-deprived and juggling a newborn.
• Clean Out Your Email Inbox: Unsubscribe from junk mail, reply to old messages, and set up folders to manage incoming mail. An organized inbox can feel like a breath of fresh air.
• Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile: Even if you plan to be a stay-at-home parent, it’s always a good idea to keep your professional documents current.
• Create a “Baby’s First Year” Photo Book Template: Use a service like Shutterfly or Mixbook to design a photo book template. Once the baby arrives, you can easily drop in photos each month.
• Digitize Important Documents: Use a scanning app on your phone to create digital copies of important documents like birth certificates, social security cards, and passports. Store them in a secure, password-protected cloud folder.
• Create a Master Contact List: Compile a list of important contacts: pediatrician, lactation consultant, family, friends, and emergency numbers. Share it with your partner.
• Cancel Unused Subscriptions: Go through your bank statements and cancel any subscriptions or memberships you no longer use. It’s an easy way to save money.

Bed rest can be incredibly isolating. It’s vital to fight that loneliness by proactively reaching out and nurturing your connections with loved ones. Your support system, your “village,” is more important now than ever.

• Schedule Regular Video Calls: Don’t wait for people to call you. Set up a recurring weekly video chat with your parents, siblings, or best friends. Seeing their faces will lift your spirits.
• Join an Online Support Group: Find a Facebook group or online forum for moms on bed rest or with high-risk pregnancies. Connecting with others who truly understand what you’re going through is invaluable.
• Write Letters or Emails: In a world of instant messages, a thoughtful letter or email can mean so much. Take the time to write to people you love, telling them what they mean to you.
• Host a “Bed-In” Visitor Session: If your doctor approves, invite one or two close friends over for a quiet visit. They can bring lunch and chat with you while you stay comfortably in bed.
• Plan Your Postpartum Visitor Schedule: Decide how you want to handle visitors after the baby is born. Create a simple system (e.g., a shared Google Calendar) for people to sign up for short visits so you don’t get overwhelmed.
• Delegate Tasks to Eager Helpers: People want to help! Create a shared list of specific, tangible tasks they can do, like picking up groceries, walking the dog, or assembling baby gear.
• Have a Virtual Baby Shower: A virtual shower can be just as fun and meaningful. Play games, open gifts on camera, and celebrate with all your loved ones from afar.
• Record Video Messages: Record short video messages for your partner, your other children, or friends. It’s a sweet and personal way to stay connected.
• Start a Shared Family Album: Use a service like Google Photos or a private Instagram account to share pregnancy updates and bump photos with close family and friends.
• Plan a “Sip & See”: Instead of a pre-birth shower, plan a casual “Sip & See” party to introduce the baby to friends and family a few months after the birth. Planning the details can be a fun distraction.

Important Note: Always consult with your doctor or physical therapist before attempting any form of physical activity, including stretching, while on bed rest. Your medical team can provide guidance on what is safe for your specific situation.

Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a critical component of your well-being during this time. These gentle activities can help you feel more comfortable in your body and provide a much-needed emotional lift.

• Practice Doctor-Approved Stretches: Your doctor may approve very gentle stretches for your neck, shoulders, ankles, and wrists to prevent stiffness and improve circulation. Ankle circles and wrist rotations are often recommended.
• Do Your Kegels: Strengthening your pelvic floor is one of the most productive exercises you can do while lying down. It aids in both delivery and postpartum recovery.
• Give Yourself a Manicure or Pedicure: A fresh coat of polish can instantly boost your mood. If you can’t reach your toes, focus on a meticulous manicure.
• Indulge in Face Masks and Skin Care: Work your way through those sample masks you’ve collected or establish a luxurious multi-step skincare routine. That pregnancy glow will be off the charts.
• Try Aromatherapy: Use an essential oil diffuser with calming scents like lavender, chamomile, or bergamot to create a spa-like, relaxing atmosphere in your room. (Check with your doctor about which oils are pregnancy-safe).
• Deep Condition Your Hair: Slather on a deep conditioning mask, wrap your hair in a towel, and let it work its magic for an hour.
• Listen to a Calming Playlist: Create a playlist of soothing music, nature sounds, or even binaural beats to help you relax and de-stress.
• Enjoy a Guided Body Scan: This meditative practice involves focusing on each part of your body, from your toes to your head, noticing any sensations without judgment. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with your body in a positive way.
• Perfect Your Makeup Skills: Watch makeup tutorials on YouTube and practice new techniques. It’s a fun, creative outlet that can help you feel put-together.
• Order a Cozy New Robe or Pajamas: If you’re going to be in bed, you might as well be comfortable and feel good. Invest in some high-quality, buttery-soft loungewear.