I checked with my car insurance and they were all good for me to drive, but I found a manual involved too much core muscle movement, so didn't.
I did pretty much everything at home. I didn't carry washing obviously but I didn't have a trouble. Yeah it was a little harder, but not a massive inconvenience (for me, just my opinion).
I did know I would probably have one and the few weeks before I was on bed rest so my LO was used to climbing up on the lounge/bed if she wanted a cuddle and she already knew I couldn't pick her up. Your kids are a bit older so they're probably not fussed.