what does pregnancy bed rest mean

Posted By : Berry

It is a well-known fact that pregnant women are usually told to work, exercise and walk regularly. This is to make sure that the labour and delivery happen as smoothly as possible with all the muscles stretched adequately. But in some cases, bed rest is prescribed to help prevent complications for pregnant women. This might sound like the best things that could happen to you when you are pregnant. Bed rest also known as activity restriction can mean anything from complete rest for a few weeks or few months to even spending some time in a hospital. However, bed rest isn’t prescribed often as it is not a proven remedy for preventing pregnancy complications or preterm birth.

When is bed rest recommended?

In cases where the doctors feel that the woman’s uterus is very weak or in few other scenarios, bed rest is recommended. Bed rest helps to increase blood flow to the placenta, and this helps to raise the baby’s birth weight slightly. The reasons when bed rest is suggested are:

Vaginal bleeding or issues with the placenta
An incompetent cervix — It is a condition in which the cervix is anticipated to open (dilate) prematurely
Contractions and other advanced signs or symptoms of preterm labour
Signs, symptoms or test results indicating fetal growth problems

There are also certain pregnancy conditions that might call for bed rest

Preeclampsia. This is also known as pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure). Bed rest for such pregnancies are recommended just to prolong the pregnancy long enough to make that delivery is safe.
Preterm labour. When there are signs of early labour such as regular contractions before 37 weeks, bed rest is recommended. This helps to delay delivery by at least 48 hours so that steroids that speed the baby’s lung development can be administered. In some cases, bed rest even completely stops preterm labour happening, and the delivery happens as normally after 37 weeks.
Cervical changes. If the cervix shortens early, there might arise a need for cervical cerclage. Here the cervix is stitched close. In this case bed, rest is recommended.
Multiple babies. Mothers bearing multiples may be placed on activity restriction just because their pregnancies tend to be more challenging. In such cases, the women carrying multiple babies are advised complete bed rest.

What does bed rest mean?

In some cases, bed rest during pregnancy just means to limit the activity level just for a short period. You can still continue going to your work or move around the house.

In other cases, bed rest means you might need to remain in a sitting or reclining position on the bed most of the time, only getting up to use the toilet or shower. You might not be allowed to work or do even light household chores until the baby is born.

The downside of bed rest

There are a lot of drawbacks with bedside. Which is why several doctors are more likely to be cautious in doling bed rest out. Prolonged inactivity or complete bed rest can drive to hip and back pain, muscle atrophy (which can make it difficult to jump back as and when you deliver), bone loss, skin irritation and even blood clots in the legs. It may also raise many of the normal symptoms of pregnancy, like heartburn, constipation and leg swelling, and also raise your chances for gestational diabetes since your body isn’t breaking down glucose at its normal rate. Moreover, research has confirmed a connection between reduced appetite (which can occur with activity restriction), maternal weight loss and less birth-weight infants. Now if you don’t have a good appetite you might not eat well and this again might hinder the growth of the baby.

Bed rest also can raise the risk of blood clots, particularly in the veins in your legs. Reduced bone mass might be a concern as well. Emotionally, you may feel confined or isolated. Mood changes, guilt, stress and depression are normal and your partner might feel the same. Child care is often a source of stress, and your children might feel frightened or confused. If you’re not able to work, finances can become a concern as well. All these will create stress and tension for pregnant women in a time where they should be happy and worry about nothing else.

Here are some things that you can do

Move around when you can
Stretch your limbs when possible
Monitor what you eat and eat healthily
Stay hydrated as it’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re not active
Accept help from friends and family when they offer
Beat boredom with books and electronic means
Expect emotional challenges
Keep comfortable by changing positions in your bed
Get organised and make sure everything you need is within reach

If the isolation or frustration of bed rest during pregnancy is more than you can handle, consult your health care provider or a mental health provider for additional support. Remember, bed rest won’t last forever.