What does "take it really easy" actually mean?

[Loupenny25]

Had a tough few days with large random bleed and short cervix (2cm) discovered at 21 weeks. Been prescribed progesterone and referred to preterm birth clinic, went to delivery suite triage yesterday because of pain and was there all day. Discharged late last night and told to "take it really easy" until appointment with clinic (10 days).

I asked them to clarify "take it really easy" as I have a 2 year old and am an early years teacher (3 days a week). They said just to use my common sense and that I know my life best. Well I don't have much common sense!

What would you interpret that as? Do I go to work? Do I cancel visiting family about 3 hours away this weekend? Do I move my mum in to help with toddler (DH has to work DD only does nursery 3 days a week).

I’d take it to mean doing to bare minimum - cancel anything that you don’t need to go to, avoid lifting the toddler, try and get as much rest as possible

Your husband should be doing the lion’s share when he’s around, bed times, wake ups etc

Id speak to your school and see what you can do to make your job less physical - can you sit down for lessons etc?

I'd consider asking your gp if you need to be signed off work with such an active job and I'd ask your mum to help with childcare so you can rest. I would personally cancel the trip as well because that doesn't sound like taking it really easy either. This is one of those times where your health comes first.

Im a midwife. In this scenario I would absolutely advise you to cancel your plans 3 hours away, don't go in to work and if you can move your mum in to help with your DC then do so. I wouldn't be doing much around the house and I certainly wouldn't be exercising, going for long walks or having intercourse. Once you've had your clinic appointment they may be able to determine your risk a bit betelter but until then I would be extremely cautious.

In your place I'd be thinking bed/sofa rest for the vast majority of each day for the next 10 days, and asking your GP to sign you off.

I had this too Op and was on progesterone pessaries from around 22 weeks. My consultant actually gave me a sick note, fit to work however I had to work from home. If that wasn’t possible then I wasn’t fit for work. I avoided anything strenuous, thankfully my Ds was 4 at the time so didn’t need lifting a whole lot . But I just took it easy, no running to kick a ball in the garden , worked from home…etc

( I was already under the clinic as I had cervical issues already…..personally I would just get a sick note to last until the 10 days is up and you are seen…. It’s impossible to tell without a few scans how quickly your cervix is shortening etc) also wouldn’t travel 3 hours to family

Thank you so much for your responses, I just couldn't tell if I was being dramatic to call out of work. Mum will help at drop of hat so not too worried about that but just wished they'd been clearer about take it really easy, my base level is really busy with lots of days out, very active at work (forest school), housework etc!