Why Your Doctor May Advice Bed Rest during Pregnancy

Some pregnant women may require bed rest during pregnancy. Do not worry if your doctor has asked you to take bed rest. It does not always mean that there is something wrong with your pregnancy. Many women who are recommended bed rest go on to deliver healthy babies. There could be several reasons why your doctor recommended bed rest to you.

Reasons for bed rest during pregnancy

Usually, doctors recommend complete bed rest for high-risk pregnancies. Some scenarios where your doctor may suggest bed rest include:

• Preeclampsia: A serious condition that leads to high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling.

• Placenta Previa: When the placenta covers part of the cervix.

• Placental Abruption: In this case, the placenta detaches itself from the uterine wall.

• Cervical Effacement: Thinning of the cervix.

• Incompetent Cervix: A weak cervix that is incompetent and may open prematurely.

• Expecting Multiples: If you are carrying two or more fetuses, you are at a higher risk.

• Previous Pregnancy Complications: If you have a history of pregnancy complications such as miscarriages, stillbirth, or premature delivery, you may require bed rest.

• Intrauterine Growth Restriction: If your fetus measures smaller than its age.

• Age of the Mother: If you are above 40 years of age, your doctor may want to be extra careful.

• Vaginal Bleeding: If you are experiencing bleeding or discharge from the vagina.

• Premature Labor: If your labor begins before 37 weeks, your doctor will advise bed rest.

How does bed rest help?

There is an ongoing debate in the medical fraternity regarding bed rest. A section believes that bed rest can increase your chances of healthy pregnancy and delivery. They believe that bed rest makes the following things easy.

• Reduces pressure on the cervix

• Reduces blood pressure

• Helps the placenta work better in transporting nutrients and oxygen to the fetus

• Decreases stress on the mother

Bed rest does not necessarily mean staying in the bed the entire time. Depending on your condition, your doctor will modify it. Bed rest usually means you are allowed to go to the bathroom, take a shower, walk a short distance inside the house, work on your desk at home, stand for some time, and sit on the bed or couch. However, you should avoid climbing stairs, lifting anything heavy, standing for long, and having sexual intercourse.