Pregnant women are often advised to be on bed rest during pregnancy to treat certain pregnancy complications even there is not much solid scientific evidence that it works in most cases.
Indications for Bed Rest
- High blood pressure, such as preeclampsia, and eclampsia
- Risk for premature delivery (e.g. multiples like twins, shorter cervix)
- Cervical changes, such as incompetent cervix, and cervical effacement
- Vaginal bleeding
- Multiples
- History of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or premature birth
- Poor fetal development
- Placenta complications, such as placenta previa, and placenta accreta
Types of bed rest
Bed rest will differ from woman to woman and from one indication to the other and also how many weeks along the pregnancy is. Bed rest recommendations may range from just simply "taking it easy," to periodic resting at home to full bed rest and monitoring in a hospital.
Some women will discover that their doctor places them on bed rest for a brief period to help a complication stabilize, whereas other women may be placed on bed rest through most of their pregnancy. Bed rest can be anything from confinement to bed to just taking it easy around the house.
It is important to find out what your doctor means by "bed rest."
Level 1: Taking it easy, taking a break, decreasing your activities.
This might mean taking a break from exercising or sex from a few weeks to the rest of the pregnancy. With this type of bed rest, women need to be able to sit down and rest. This might involve taking a leave from work or getting backup help with the care of children at home.
Level 2: A few hours of bed rest each day.
This level may mean part-time work or taking off work completely, no shopping or carrying groceries. This kind of rest may be recommended for women with mild hypertension or other complications and it may be beneficial if a baby isn't growing well or if there are multiples (e.g. twins, triplets) with a risk of preterm birth.
Level 3: "House Arrest"
This requires taking off work completely, no shopping or carrying groceries. No standing for more than 5 minutes. It's a stricter type of bed rest, where women are essentially confined to the home, and activities are limited to moving around, taking showers, puttering around and mostly resting.
Level 4: Complete Bed Rest
Strict bed rest is prescribed in some cases, which essentially means lying down all day. Sometimes this can be done at home, other times in the hospital getting up might be limited to going to the bathroom, taking a shower, and preparing a simple meal. The strictest forms of bed rest are usually done in the hospital, with a bedpan instead of bathroom privileges and all personal care provided by the hospital staff.
How does bed rest help?
In most cases, bed rest is used to help the body have the best chance to quiet down. Bed rest will be used with women who have conditions related to high blood pressure in order to decrease stress and lower blood pressure. Work, activity, lifting, or exercise may worsen or provoke certain situations, so bed rest may be prescribed to reduce vaginal bleeding or decrease the chance of premature labor. Bed rest may also be necessary (often on your side) to help increase blood flow to the placenta.
What is the best position for bed rest?
The best position for bed rest will depend on your situation and what complication your health care provider is trying to address or prevent. In most cases, your healthcare provider will request that you sleep or rest on your side, usually with your knees or hips bent, and maybe a pillow between your knees. You may be asked to lie on your back while being propped up with pillows or to lie on your back with your hips or legs elevated higher than your shoulders.
How can I deal with bed rest discomforts?
Bed rest will tend to cause your muscles to lose tone and make some of your joints ache. Lying down for long periods of time can also reduce your blood circulation. Changing from side to side will help stimulate your muscles and relieve pressure. Exercise is important for your blood circulation, but make sure that you visit with your health care provider before you begin any exercises. Below are common exercises that may be used:
- Squeezing stress balls
- Pressing your hands and feet against the bed
- Turning your arms and feet in circles
- Tensing or tightening your arm and leg muscles
- Avoid using your abdominal muscles when you are stretching or exercising
Consult with your doctor about the best ways for you to get exercise in your situation.
"Do's" and "Don'ts" during bed rest:
The "do's" and "don'ts" during bed rest will vary from woman to woman, depending on your situation and the reasons that bed rest is prescribed by your health care provider. It is important to get a clear understanding of what is allowed during your bed rest period. In most cases, bed rest will require that you avoid lifting, exercise, or any strenuous activity. Here is a list of activities to discuss with your doctorr:
- Cooking
- Light chores
- Walking
- Bath or shower
- Driving
- Exercise
- Sexual intercourse
If your bed rest occurs for a long period of time, it is important to discuss exercises or activities that you are allowed to do to keep your blood circulating.
Continue: How to make the very best of bed rest during pregnancy