Bed rest may be recommended during pregnancy if you have certain high-risk conditions. Bed rest means limiting activities and staying in bed as much as possible. The goal is to prevent complications from worsening and to help you have a healthy pregnancy.
There are different types of bed rest, from partial rest to strict rest. Your doctor will let you know what level of rest is needed based on your condition. Even if full bed rest is not prescribed, your doctor may recommend limiting activity if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
When is bed rest prescribed during pregnancy?
Bed rest may be recommended if you have any of the following high-risk conditions:
Preterm labor
Going into labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered preterm labor. Bed rest can help stop contractions and prevent preterm birth. Your doctor may prescribe medications to stop contractions along with bed rest.
Incompetent cervix
This is when the cervix starts to open too early in pregnancy. Bed rest takes pressure off the cervix and can prevent premature birth.
Placenta previa
This is when the placenta covers the opening of the cervix. Bleeding can occur if the placenta detaches. Strict bed rest is needed to prevent excess bleeding.
Placental abruption
This serious condition is when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall. Bed rest is prescribed to prevent further detachment.
Preeclampsia or high blood pressure
Bed rest can help lower blood pressure and prevent complications like seizures or stroke.
Multiples pregnancy
Carrying more than one baby increases the risk of preterm labor. Bed rest may help prevent early delivery with twins, triplets, or more.
Vaginal bleeding
Bleeding in pregnancy needs to be evaluated. Bed rest may be prescribed while determining the cause of bleeding.
Increased rest needed
Sometimes additional rest is prescribed even without a specific complication. Reasons may include advanced maternal age, obesity, or a history of preterm birth.
How strict should bed rest be during pregnancy?
There are different types of bed rest that may be recommended:
Partial bed rest
– Avoid standing for long periods
– Limit stairs to 1-2 times daily
– Reduce physical activity but remain active
– Can still work with modifications
Modified bed rest
– Spend most of day reclining with legs elevated
– Only get up for bathroom and meals
– Strictly limit stairs
– No work, driving or physically demanding tasks
Strict bed rest
– Remain in bed at all times
– Use bedpan for bathroom needs
– No sitting – lie flat with legs elevated
– No household tasks, physical activity or work
– May require hospitalization
Your doctor will advise what level of rest you need based on your individual situation. The stricter the rest, the more it can help prevent complications in high-risk pregnancies.
What activities are allowed on bed rest?
The specific limitations will depend on what level of bed rest you are prescribed. Here are some general guidelines on restricted and allowed activities:
Restricted activities
– Work, especially jobs requiring standing or physical labor
– Exercise such as walking, aerobics or weightlifting
– Household tasks like cleaning, laundry, yardwork
– Lifting children or heavy objects
– Climbing stairs more than needed for bathroom
– Sexual intercourse
– Driving or lengthy travel
Allowed activities
– Moving around for bathroom needs
– Showering while seated
– Light stretching or range-of-motion exercises
– Reading, watching TV, hobbies done in bed
– Using computer or tablet while reclining
– Visits from friends and family
– Light meal preparation if allowed to be upright
Talk to your doctor about any specific activity restrictions based on your situation. The stricter the bed rest, the more limited your activity will be.
How long will I need to be on bed rest?
The duration of prescribed bed rest depends on the complication and how soon delivery needs to happen. Here are some general timelines:
Preterm labor
– Strict bed rest until labor stops, often 1-2 days
– Modified rest for 1-2 weeks to prevent more contractions
Incompetent cervix
– Strict rest for 2-4 days to allow cervix to close
– Modified rest until cervix is stable, often until 24 weeks
Placenta previa
– Strict rest until bleeding resolves
– Modified rest until placenta moves up, usually by 28-32 weeks
Preeclampsia
– Strict rest during severe symptoms
– Modified rest until blood pressure improves or delivery
Multiples pregnancy
– Modified rest starting in second trimester
– Progressively stricter rest as due date approaches
Your doctor will monitor you and determine the duration based on your situation. Bed rest is usually discontinued if the complication stabilizes or you go into labor.
Are there risks to bed rest during pregnancy?
While bed rest has benefits for high-risk pregnancies, it also carries some risks and downsides to be aware of:
Blood clots
Lack of activity increases the risk of developing dangerous blood clots in the legs. Preventive measures like compression stockings are important.
Muscle loss
Long periods of inactivity can cause muscles to weaken and atrophy. This can affect recovery after delivery.
Bone loss
Just like muscles, bones start to lose strength after weeks of bed rest. Weight bearing activity helps keep bones strong.
Pressure sores
Lying in same position can cause sores and skin breakdown. Regular repositioning is necessary.
Joint stiffness
Reduced mobility can lead to stiff, painful joints. Some gentle range-of-motion exercises may help.
Mental health impact
Boredom, isolation and depression are common with prolonged bed rest. Support from loved ones is key.
While downsides exist, your doctor will determine if the benefits of bedrest outweigh the risks in your situation. Preventive measures can help reduce adverse effects.
What preventive measures should be taken?
If prescribed bed rest, the following preventive measures can help reduce complications:
Blood clot prevention
– Wear compression stockings
– Take blood-thinning medication if prescribed
– Perform ankle pumps and leg lifts regularly
Skin breakdown prevention
– Use soft bed sheets and padding to reduce pressure
– Reposition frequently, at least every 2 hours
– Keep skin clean and dry
– Use moisture barrier cream if needed
Muscle strength maintenance
– Do gentle range-of-motion exercises
– Use resistance bands or hand weights for arm exercises
– Try wall push-ups or other modified strength exercises
Bone health promotion
– Take calcium and vitamin D supplements
– Do gentle weight-bearing exercises while reclining
– Use supportive devices to stand periodically if allowed
Mental health support
– Stay connected with loved ones
– Ask for company or more frequent visits
– Try meditation, reading or new hobbies
– Seek counseling if depression symptoms occur
Talk to your healthcare provider about individualized prevention plans while on bed rest.
How can bed rest be made more comfortable?
Here are some tips to help make bed rest more tolerable:
– Alternate positions between lying on your left side, right side, and propped up. Use plenty of pillows for support.
– Have a mattress pad or cushions to make the bed more comfortable. Avoid sagging.
– Use a bedside commode or urinal rather than getting up for the bathroom.
– Get a hospital-style bed that allows raising head and feet for repositioning.
– Have a TV, computer, books, games, and other entertainment within reach.
– Stay connected through phone calls, video chats, and social media.
– Ask loved ones to keep you company as much as possible.
– Have healthy snacks and drinks ready to avoid frequent trips out of bed.
– Use a lap desk or over-the-bed table for meals and activities.
– Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Cotton and breathable fabrics are best.
– Keep room at comfortable temperature and use fans or extra blankets as needed.
– Try relaxing music, guided meditation, or audio books to help pass the time.
– If hospitalized, bring personal items from home for familiarity and comfort.
What happens after bed rest ends?
Once bed rest is no longer required, you may feel weak and deconditioned at first. You will need to slowly increase activity and rebuild strength. Walking short distances and doing light housework can start soon after strict bed rest ends. Gradually work back up to your normal activity level and exercise routine.
Most women feel sense of relief and freedom when bed rest is over. But some have anxiety about staying active after a prolonged period of inactivity. Share any concerns with your doctor and get their guidance on safely increasing mobility. With time, your strength and endurance will return.
If you were hospitalized for bed rest, ask about post-discharge recovery services. This can include physical therapy, nurses visits, or mobility assistance at home. Take advantage of any support offered for the transition period.
While challenging, bed rest serves an important purpose for high-risk pregnancy complications. Work closely with your healthcare providers to ensure you get the rest needed while staying as comfortable and healthy as possible. Be patient with your body once activity resumes, and you will get back to normal soon.
Conclusion
Bed rest is prescribed during pregnancy when strict limitations on activity are needed to prevent complications from worsening. Various high-risk conditions like preterm labor, bleeding, hypertension or cervical issues may require bed rest under doctor’s orders. The duration and strictness of rest depends on the specific medical circumstances.
While bed rest has clear benefits, it also poses risks like blood clots, bone/muscle loss, skin sores and mental health impact. Preventive measures are key to reduce adverse effects. Staying connected with loved ones and making the environment as comfortable as possible also helps tolerate bed rest. After pregnancy, a gradual return to normal activity is important for recovery. With guidance from healthcare providers, bed rest can effectively help reduce pregnancy complications when needed.