If You are Hospitalized

Welcome to our Antepartum Unit

Hospitalization can be stressful regardless of the duration or reasons it has been recommended. It creates a very sudden change from your expected plans of a “normal, uneventful pregnancy”. Many women are frightened when they think of having a complication that requires hospitalization. They may worry about the baby being in danger or that they, themselves are in danger.

Hospitalization is stressful and anger and frustration are normal responses. Many women resent bed rest and then they feel guilty about their resentment. . It is often hard to accept that you must be hospitalized, especially if you are feeling well. Instead of your normal activities, you now assume the role of a “patient”, often dependent on others. This may take some getting used to. You may feel you are expected to be cooperative, dependent and grateful when in reality you are feeling angry, helpless and frightened. As members of your health care team, we recognize and validate these feelings.

Our goals are to meet your physical, spiritual and emotional needs during your hospitalization. In addition to our physicians and nurses caring for you, ancillary members of our team may see you. These would include a physical therapist, social worker, occupational therapist, childbirth educator, psychologist and or a representative from our pastoral care department. If at any time during your stay with us, you want to see any of these ancillary team members, please inform your nurse or physician.

The information provided in this section will give you an idea of what you can expect during your stay with us, as well as provide you and your family with some general information about our unit. Please read on and ask any questions you may have.
Remember the goal of everyone is a healthy mom and baby.

YOUR ROOM

This is your room until you go home or deliver your baby. Decorate it with cards, pictures, flowers or holiday décor. Have family and friends bring you items from home that will make your room “feel like home”.

Your bed is electric and offers many comfortable positions for your rest/sleeping periods. The controls are on your side rails. The side rails may be kept in the up or down position. If you have difficulty working your bed, please ask your care provider for help. Bed linens, towels and washcloths are provided by the hospital. Favorite quilts and pillows can be brought from home and may help to brighten your room and provide you with a feeling of comfort.

The restroom is for patients only. Visitors may use the restroom in the patient lounge. Your bathroom may be shared with your neighbor. Please lock the connecting door when you enter so you have privacy. Remember to unlock the connecting door when you have finished.

CLOTHING

We encourage you to wear your own comfortable clothing or pajamas instead of a patient gown. Slippers and heavy socks are also a good idea to have. Wearing a bra during the day will provide support for your enlarging breasts. If you are on IV medications, a patient gown may be easier for you to use because if has snaps in the sleeves.

Just a reminder: the hospital does not provide laundry services for personal clothing.

SHOWERING

There is one shower on our unit. You may bring in your own toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion, etc. The nursing staff will need to verify with your physician if your activity level includes showering. Occasionally following certain procedures, strict bed rest will be ordered and you would not be able to shower until the restriction is discontinued.

KEEPING BUSY

Boredom can be difficult to deal with during your stay with us – you don’t feel ill but your activity level has been decreased and you spend most of your day in bed. We encourage you to spend your day doing non-stressful and fun activities. Puzzles, reading, arts and crafts and scrap booking are just a few ideas to keep your hands and mind active. You may request a visit from an occupational therapist that will provide you with “projects” to help you pass the time.

Many of our patients “work from home” while hospitalized. If you want to bring in a laptop computer, wireless internet is available. E-mail friends and family. Surf the net for your nursery décor or do your holiday shopping. We have had patients continue to handle business and family financial matters while with us via their laptop.

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