Bed Rest in Pregnancy

September 08, 2008

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Bed Rest in Pregnancy

by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.
reviewed by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D.

Most pregnancies are normal, healthy processes. The majority of pregnant women can do all sorts of activities without worrying that it will cause a problem for the pregnancy. If your pregnancy develops complications, however, your practitioner may recommend that you rest for a period of time.

Types of bed rest
There are several degrees of bed rest, so it is important to find out what your practitioner means by "bed rest."

A decrease in your activities. This might mean taking a break from exercising or sex for a few weeks.
Taking a break. 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.
A few hours of bed rest each day. Resting on your side increases the blood flow to the placenta, which may be beneficial if a baby isn't growing well.
"House arrest". A stricter type of bed rest, where women are essentially confined to the home, with activities limited to puttering around and mostly resting. I call this level of bed rest "house arrest."
Strict bed rest is prescribed in some cases, which essentially means lying down all day. 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.

Know Your Limitations
Ask questions until you understand what is needed for your situation. Will you need to stop working? Does your practitioner want you totally off of your feet, or just resting most of the time? Can you take a shower or bath? Do you need to use a bedpan, or can you get up to the bathroom? Can you go to the kitchen to make your meals? These are all very important questions to determine how you will need to adjust your life.

Getting help
How much you're allowed to get out of bed, as well as your resources and responsibilities, will determine the level of help you need at home. Some women are able to get by on their own, but many need the help of family or friends to take care of other children, help make meals, etc. For some, the most difficult part of bed rest is getting used to being dependent on other people. Remember that while you may not feel sick, you must rest as if you are.

Keeping perspective
Bed rest is a difficult thing to endure. For some, the hardest part is the inactivity, for others it is the dependency, and for others it is the anxiety. The loss of income can sometimes put financial strains on the family. While you may feel that you are accomplishing nothing by spending your days in bed, you need to remind yourself that you are growing a baby, and you are on bed rest to try to give your baby the best odds of a healthy life.


RELATED INFORMATION

			The Developing Fetus, Weeks 25-40
			Pregnancy-Related Bleeding
			High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy
			Preterm Labor

Created August 27, 2000
Reviewed August 05, 2004

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