Bed rest is often prescribed during pregnancy when there are complications or concerns about the health of the mother and baby. The amount of time a pregnant woman needs to spend resting in bed can vary greatly depending on the specific medical circumstances. Here is an overview of how long bed rest may be recommended during pregnancy and the reasons why.
When is Bed Rest Prescribed?
There are several complications or conditions that may lead to a doctor recommending bed rest during pregnancy:
- Preterm labor – Contractions and changes to the cervix before 37 weeks gestation increase the risk of premature birth. Bed rest helps relax the uterus and may prevent early labor.
- Incompetent cervix – A weakened cervix that opens too early. Bed rest and cervix cerclage (stitching the cervix closed) can help prevent miscarriage or premature delivery.
- Placenta previa – When the placenta covers the cervix. Bed rest reduces activity and pelvic pressure to prevent excess bleeding.
- Preeclampsia – High blood pressure and other symptoms that can damage organs. Bed rest lowers stress and prevents disease progression.
- Intrauterine growth restriction – Poor growth of the baby in the womb. Rest increases blood flow and nutrients to the fetus.
- Bleeding – Any bleeding like placenta abruption needs to be monitored closely with bed rest.
- Gestational diabetes – Resting helps control blood sugar levels in pregnancy.
- Multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc) – Bed rest reduces the risk of preterm labor with more than one baby.
Bed rest may also be recommended in pregnancies considered high-risk for other reasons involving the mother’s health or if any signs of complications arise.
How Long is Bed Rest Prescribed?
The exact duration of prescribed bed rest depends on the condition, severity, how early in the pregnancy the issue arises, and how the mother responds to treatment. Here are some general guidelines:
- Threatened preterm labor – Strict bed rest until contractions and labor symptoms resolve, which could be days, weeks, or the remainder of pregnancy.
- Incompetent cervix – Strict bed rest for months up to week 37.
- Placenta previa – Strict rest for several weeks up to month 7-9 as long as bleeding persists.
- Preeclampsia – Strict rest until delivery, could be weeks or months.
- IUGR – Moderate or strict rest for remainder of pregnancy depending on severity.
- Bleeding concerns – Strict rest for days to weeks depending on cause and if bleeding stops.
- Gestational diabetes – Moderate rest as needed for blood sugar control.
- Multiples – Moderate to strict rest for weeks to months to reduce preterm labor risk.
Here is a table summarizing the typical duration of prescribed bed rest for various pregnancy complications:
| Condition | Typical Duration of Bed Rest |
|---|---|
| Threatened Preterm Labor | Days to weeks, possibly until delivery |
| Incompetent Cervix | Weeks to months, until week 37 |
| Placenta Previa | Weeks to months, while bleeding continues |
| Preeclampsia | Weeks to months until delivery |
| IUGR | Weeks to months depending on severity |
| Bleeding Concerns | Days to weeks until bleeding resolves |
| Gestational Diabetes | As needed for blood sugar control |
| Multiples Pregnancy | Weeks to months to reduce preterm labor risk |
Levels of Bed Rest
Not all bed rest is the same. Doctors tailor the recommendations to the severity of the condition. There are three main levels of bed rest:
- Strict Bed Rest – The patient is confined to lying flat in bed as much as possible, only getting up for bathroom needs. This provides maximal rest for the uterus and pelvic floor.
- Modified Bed Rest – The patient is in bed most but not all of the day, allowed short periods of activity or sitting upright. Bathroom walks are permitted.
- Ambulatory Bed Rest – The patient is encouraged to spend large portions of the day reclining or with feet elevated, but small periods of standing or activity are allowed.
Here are the typical activities permitted during different bed rest levels:
| Activity | Strict Bed Rest | Modified Bed Rest | Ambulatory Bed Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sitting upright | Very limited | Limited periods allowed | Encouraged to recline but sitting permitted |
| Standing | Only for bathroom | Short periods allowed | Allowed in moderation with breaks |
| Showering | Bed baths only | Quick showers may be permitted | Brief daily showers are fine |
| Walking | Only to bathroom | Limited and slow walks periodically during day | Allowed for short slow walks 1-2 times daily |
| Lifting / Stairs | No lifting. No stairs. | No lifting over 5-10 lbs. Stairs only 1-2x daily. | Lifting 10-15 lbs okay. Stairs okay in moderation. |
Tips for Bed Rest at Home
Bed rest for weeks or months is understandably difficult. Here are some tips to help cope with long term bed rest during pregnancy:
- Find comfortable positions – Use pillows for support and to take pressure off your back. Change positions periodically.
- Have entertainment and activities handy – Books, laptop, music, crafts. Ask others to bring you diversions.
- Stay connected – Phone or video calls, social media. Don’t become isolated.
- Relaxation techniques – Meditation, breathing exercises, visualization. Helps stay calm.
- Keep up your routine – Regular mealtimes, showers, sleep schedule. Gives structure.
- Stay hydrated and eat well – Water, healthy snacks. Vital for you and baby.
- Accept help from loved ones – Especially for errands, chores, grocery shopping. You need to rest.
- Stay active mentally – Read, take online classes, surf internet. Prevents boredom.
- Know it’s temporary – Focus on the reason. Resting helps you and your baby.
Supportive Devices for Bed Rest
Specialized products can make bed rest at home safer and more comfortable:
- Pregnancy pillows – Shaped pillows support bump, back, knees for side-lying.
- Reading pillows – Pillows with arms allow sitting propped up in bed to read or use devices.
- Bedside commode chairs – Portable toilets allow bathroom use without major repositioning.
- Adjustable beds – Beds that recline and elevate legs reduce need to move.
- Lap desks – Portable desks to use laptops or write while resting.
- Rolling shower chairs – Chairs allow showering while seated.
- Wheelchairs or knee scooters – Used for allowed short trips out of bed.
Discuss using supportive devices and aids with your healthcare provider to make prescribed bed rest more manageable.
Risks of Prolonged Bed Rest
While bed rest has clear medical benefits in high risk pregnancies, remaining in bed for long periods does have some potential downsides to be aware of. These include:
- Muscle weakness and atrophy – Lack of activity leads to loss of strength, stamina and muscle mass.
- Bone density loss – Long-term immobility accelerates bone mineral depletion.
- Joint stiffness – Reduced mobility can cause painful joints.
- Blood clots – Lack of movement increases risk of dangerous clots.
- Skin breakdown – Pressure areas can blister or ulcerate.
- Constipation – Bed rest slows intestinal function leading to difficult BMs.
- Depression – Isolation and lack of activity detriment mental health.
To reduce adverse effects, your provider may recommend:
- Light range of motion exercises while resting
- Compression stockings to improve circulation
- Periodic short walks around room or house
- Prescription laxatives to ease constipation
- Mental health counseling
Proper precautions make prescribed bed rest more tolerable and safer for mom and baby.
Conclusion
The amount of bed rest prescribed during pregnancy varies from days to months depending on the medical concerns and response to treatment. While complete bed rest is very restrictive, it is an important intervention to protect the health of both mother and baby when complications arise. Being aware of the guidelines for your condition, asking questions, and utilizing aids and support can help you cope with bed rest requirements. Though challenging, following medical advice for necessary rest in pregnancy can have lifelong benefits for you and your little one.