“Bed rest”
What does bed rest really mean for a pregnant woman? Does it truly mean lay in bed and not get up?
22 Answers
Neonatal-PerinatalMedicineSpecialistPregnancy
You should get up from time to time, it is advisable. But stay in bed most of the time.
It helps only if you have high blood pressure bedrest means getting up to use the restroom and eating
That is a difficult question, which I would recommend you discussing with your personal obstetrician. Bed rest is not specifically defined clinically but can range from confinement in bed to light house activities with the goal to stay off of one's feet as much as possible.
Yes, it means staying in bed and only getting up for the restroom possibly meals.
It’s difficult, but well worth it when you finally hold that healthy, beautiful baby.
It’s difficult, but well worth it when you finally hold that healthy, beautiful baby.
Bedrest can vary depending on the severity of the condition that you are treating. Sometimes it means bedrest and only get up for shower and bathroom needs. Bedrest can also mean 4-6 hrs of extra time a day in the bed. Your doctor will guide you how strict you should be.
The American College of OB GYN does not recommend bedrest because it has no proven benefits.
Bed rest is usually recommended when there are risks of threatened abortion or incompetent cervix during pregnancy, also when there's preterm labor, etc. etc.
The bed rest recommended will depend on each condition but if there is a threat for the pregnancy most likely refers to avoid any activity that could affect the product, but of course they can walk to use the restroom or stretch their legs, these limitations need to be discussed with your OB doctor who will know exactly the reason why you should be in bed rest.
The bed rest recommended will depend on each condition but if there is a threat for the pregnancy most likely refers to avoid any activity that could affect the product, but of course they can walk to use the restroom or stretch their legs, these limitations need to be discussed with your OB doctor who will know exactly the reason why you should be in bed rest.
Bed rest in pregnancy means resting off your feet , lying on the left side of your body ( allowing better blood supply to the fetus) - most of the time ! However to prevent blood clots formation it is encouraged to move around to the bathroom and back - also called " bed rest with bathroom privileges"! Needless to say that this is all as per discretion if the treating physician
Dr syed
Dr syed
Bed rest does mean totally laying in bed with maybe bathroom breaks. However this is no longer advised in pregnancy, there is much evidence that shows complete bedrest is not helpful at all in fact can harm you but increasing the risk for blood clots in your legs and lungs. The current recommendation is certain high risk pregnancies is pelvic rest which means avoiding any kind of strain to your pelvic area such as standing for prolonged time, lifting weights, sexual intercourse.
It depends on the reason for being on bed rest. Sometimes, the doctor may want you to lay in bed and not much else, but other times, it can mean "take it easy." Staying in bed for too long can also be bad for the pregnancy and increase your risk of problems like blood clots, so it is important to clarify the reason you need to be on bed rest.
Complete bed rest is impossible but it does mean as much as logistically possible considering bathroom and meals. It really is saying "slow down"and rest as much as possible.
Recline on your left side as much as possible which will increase the blood supply to your baby.
Recline on your left side as much as possible which will increase the blood supply to your baby.
Our viewpoint on bedrest has changed significantly in recent times. For years doctors prescribed bedrest for bleeding during pregnancy, placenta previa, to treat preterm labor, etc. The only problem was that no scientific studies have ever shown that bedrest makes any difference. At this point we are recommending "modified" bedrest meaning resting in bed or on the couch for 4 to 6 hours a day. Getting up to use the bathroom or make a meal for oneself is not a problem.
There isn't really an evidence-based indication for complete bedrest (mostly confined to bed, yes) in pregnancy anymore. If you've been instructed to try bedrest, I'd make sure you're seeing a high-risk obstetrician (aka maternal-fetal medicine specialist), and ask what the scientific data for benefit in your situation is.
It means to be lying down with feet and legs elevated for the
Majority of the day.... The patient can however be up for bathroom
use, showers, personal hygiene and in most cases for limited
periods of time to take or prepare meals, etc. Paul Schell
Majority of the day.... The patient can however be up for bathroom
use, showers, personal hygiene and in most cases for limited
periods of time to take or prepare meals, etc. Paul Schell
Yes you would have to stay off your feet
Only on your feet when you need to go out for appointments or to the restroom
Only on your feet when you need to go out for appointments or to the restroom
You are not supposed to be in bed 24 hours a day, when you are on bed rest. Some movement like walking to the bathroom, kitchen etc. is recommended. The goal of bed rest is to keep you from doing strenuous activities like lifting heavy items, cleaning your house etc.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
Bed rest for a pregnant mother is to help her relax physically and to help her baby rest in place in the uterus; after so much work at home or even at work. When she rests, she would raise her feet above her heart level to get a better blood supply to her feet. This can take about an hour or so.
No, it means take it easy, avoid heavy activities until and unless you are really bleeding.
No, just get adequate sleep, avoid heavy household work unless you have a pregnancy-related complication.
Dear Patient, unless you have higher order multiple gestation, I WOULD NEVER recommend bed rest to anyone. IT DOES NO GOOD and ONLY HARM.
Multiple studies have shown a NEGATIVE impact on both the mother's psychological and physical well-being, with muscle wasting, anxiety, and stress. Studies have also shown NO BENEFIT to babies, unless perhaps with triplets or higher order multiples, and even then. it is extremely controversial if there are any benefits and certainly there can be significant worsening of mother's psychological and physical health. Have a great day and be ACTIVE unless you truly must be less active, which is highly unlikely,
Good luck with your pregnancy.
P.S. Also NO benefit shown in preventing preterm birth either.
DR. S
Multiple studies have shown a NEGATIVE impact on both the mother's psychological and physical well-being, with muscle wasting, anxiety, and stress. Studies have also shown NO BENEFIT to babies, unless perhaps with triplets or higher order multiples, and even then. it is extremely controversial if there are any benefits and certainly there can be significant worsening of mother's psychological and physical health. Have a great day and be ACTIVE unless you truly must be less active, which is highly unlikely,
Good luck with your pregnancy.
P.S. Also NO benefit shown in preventing preterm birth either.
DR. S
"Bed rest" in pregnancy is rarely indicated any more. Generally it means resting and not being on your feet more than 15 minutes out of the hour. Studies have shown it doesn't help prevent preterm labor, preeclampsia or miscarriage.
What bedrest actually means depends on the indication for your bedrest (preterm labor, placenta previa or pre eclampsia are few of them). Most of the "lay in bed and not get up patients are usually not discharged home". Please discuss with your OB-Gyn in detail regarding this. Have a safe pregnancy!
