MS, RDN, CDN
Allison is a registered dietitian who holds a Master’s in Nutrition and Physical Fitness. She also loves helping families get creative with their wellness choices.
The latest recommendations from the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians caution against the use of bedrest in preventing preterm birth due to lack of evidence that it does so. In addition, ACOG suggests that it may cause more harm than good, including increased risk for blood clots, weakening of bones and negative mental health implications. If your healthcare provider is suggesting bedrest, be sure to discuss your situation thoroughly, including other possible treatments and alternatives.
However, certain pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure (preeclampsia), a weak (incompetent) cervix, preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, placenta issues or vaginal bleeding, can result in your doctor prescribing bedrest. The rationale being that resting in bed on your side will relieve cervical pressure, increase circulation to the placenta and increase the odds for a healthy pregnancy.
The amount of bedrest prescribed can range from intermittent to complete depending on the severity of your condition. Intermittent bedrest might involve lying down on your left side for 1 hour, 3 times per day and is commonly recommended for women experiencing mild to moderately elevated blood pressure. Complete bedrest typically involves staying in bed at a hospital at all times except to use the bathroom (or for very concerning cases, your mobility is fully restricted in which case you’ll have to use a bedpan). A pregnant woman with a premature rupture of membranes, for example, might be placed on complete bedrest.
Bedrest (and especially complete bedrest) can have negative physical effects, including muscle atrophy and weakness and potential bone loss from your drastic reduction in movement and activity. The psychological impact of complete bedrest is also not to be ignored – depression and increased anxiety from your separation from a support network, family, work life (and possibly income) and the inability to engage in normal preparations for the baby (like setting up the nursery or attending the baby shower) can take a serious toll.
If your healthcare provider is suggesting bedrest, be sure to discuss your situation thoroughly, including other possible treatments and alternatives.
Engage in physical activity while in bed
Any physical activity (as long as your healthcare provider gives the OK) is important to avoid the muscle loss, increased swelling, weight gain, constipation and persistent feeling of sluggishness that can result from inactivity while on bedrest. Start small by periodically switching sides so you do not cause joint and muscle discomfort from applying pressure on one side only. Then try some simple exercises to maintain muscle tone, healthy circulation and a positive outlook. Here are some examples:
Maintain a healthy diet
Eat a healthy, high-fiber diet and stay hydrated while in bed to prevent excess weight gain and constipation.
You may be tempted to snack on junk food to treat yourself during bedrest boredom, but don’t give in to that impulse. Instead, reach for veggies, fruits, whole grains, and adequate protein intake to stay on the right track.
Keep your eye on the prize
It is normal to feel disappointment, stress, boredom, and resentment while on bedrest, but remember the great reward at the end of this journey – each day you are getting closer to holding your baby in your arms! Notice your baby’s movements and stay connected to his activity and growth. Let these positive feelings for your baby overshadow any negative reaction to bedrest. Know that your efforts are helping your baby get off to a healthy start. Bedrest does not last forever – you will get through it!
McCall, Christina A, David A Grimes, and Anne Drapkin Lyerly “”Therapeutic” Bed Rest in Pregnancy: Unethical and Unsupported by Data.” American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. Volume 121. Issue 6 (2013): pages 1305-1308.
Wellness
Stock healthy staples so you always...
Benefits of postpartum...
Ways your body changes during...
Warm-ups and cool-downs are essential...
Learn pregnancy-specific exercises to...
Which foods and ingredients are risky...
Constipation during pregnancy and...
Exercise is beneficial to health...
Exercise is an essential component of...
Pregnancy changes your tissue,...
Morning sickness, not just in the...
Considerations for finding a suitable...