Bed Rest During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a happy time for most women, but sometimes complications occur and bed rest becomes necessary. Your doctor will explain your medical condition and why bed rest is necessary, but some of these complications include:

• Threat of miscarriage
• Bleeding
• Premature labor
• High blood pressure
• Multiple pregnancy
• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure and swelling)
• Incompetent cervix (uterus opens too soon; threat of premature birth)

Some benefits of bed rest

• Your body uses fewer calories (allows more energy for baby’s use)
• Your body is less affected by pull of gravity (decreases pressure on cervix, or opening of uterus)
• Less pressure on your belly (lying on your left side is best to promote good blood flow to baby)

Bed rest also had some downsides, such as weakness of muscles due to lack of exercise, back and neck pain from staying in bed, and constipation. You can lessen these side effects by doing a safe bed exercise program. See your Woman’s Hospital therapist or doctor for details.