Pregnancy and Childbirth Potential Complications

Surviving Bed Rest During Pregnancy

We have all had days where the idea of staying under the covers seemed extremely appealing. Unfortunately, for many pregnant women bed rest during pregnancy is not a luxury, but a medical mandate.

Why bed rest?
Although bed rest is controversial because the benefits have not been clearly documented in scientific literature, as many as 20 percent of all pregnant women are confined to a week or more in bed. Preterm labor is the most common condition for which bed rest is prescribed. The rationale for bed rest is that decreasing your activity may help keep your cervix closed, prolong your pregnancy, and increase the likelihood of a healthy baby. Additional reasons why bed rest might be indicated are:

• Unexplained bleeding, which might be reduced by bed rest.
• High blood pressure, which can also be reduced by bed rest.

How will I feel?
Bed rest seems like a wonderful concept until it is an edict from which you cannot stray. The novelty of lounging in your PJs with a romance novel fades quickly, and the realities of confinement and isolation begin to set in. Although it sounds like an oxymoron, bed rest can make you exhausted. Inactivity causes you to tire more easily, and more often. In addition, you may feel sore and achy from remaining in the same position for an extended period of time. Realize that while you are on bed rest, your emotions will run from shock, anger and fear, to hopefulness. Although all of these feelings are normal, they can be overwhelming. You may find it helpful to speak with a therapist who specializes in high-risk pregnancies or to contact a support group.

How will I survive?
Tips to maintaining your health and your peace of mind include:

Obtain information: Knowledge will help you feel more in control. Find out from your doctor exactly which activities are allowed and which are not.

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