Many women are advised bed rest during their pregnancy. About 20% of all pregnant women each year are recommended bed rest to avoid pregnancy crisis. Bed rest may include simple resting at home to complete, supervised bed rest in a hospital.

Bed rest refers to limiting your activities to a few basic ones, for a specified period of time. This helps improve blood flow to the placenta, saves energy and prevents pregnancy complications.

Common reasons for pregnancy bed rest

There are several reasons due to which your doctor may advice bed rest for you. These may include:

1. Placenta previa: This occurs when the placenta is situated lower than its actual position and is blocking the cervix. Bed rest can help avoid any additional pressure on the placenta and cervix.
2. Preeclampsia: This condition usually develops after the 20th week of pregnancy, due to the elevated blood pressure, protein in the urine, and edema. In severe cases, it could put both you and your baby at risk. Your doctor may even ask you to get admitted to hospital for constant monitoring.
3. Cervical insufficiency: Doctors recommend bed rest if you have suffered cervical lacerations, prior cervical damage or congenital abnormalities, in order to avoid any pressure on the cervix.
4. Pregnancy Bleeding: Conditions such as placental abruption, cervical rupture or uterine tear can lead to slight bleeding or spotting during pregnancy. This may be one of the reasons why your doctor may advise bed rest until the spotting stops. Sometimes, this can also lead to bed rest throughout the pregnancy.
5. Overactive Lifestyle: If you lead a very active lifestyle and do not pay attention to your health and nutrition, your doctor might advise complete bed rest for you. Eating a balanced diet and staying relaxed can promote healthy fetal development and minimize the need for bed rest.
6. Multiple Pregnancy: Although bed rest is not routinely advised if you are carrying twins, it may be necessary if you have multiple pregnancies like triplets or quadruplets, when you are highly prone to complications.
7. Low amniotic fluid: If your amniotic fluid gets low, it may put both you and your baby at risk. Therefore, bed rest at home or hospital is required for continuous monitoring of the mother and the fetus.

Sometimes, doctors may suggest bed rest even if you are not experiencing any of the above symptoms. This may be due to the fact that your doctor feels you may benefit from it. Bed rest improves blood circulation in the uterus and provides oxygen and nourishment to the fetus. It also improves blood flow throughout the body and therefore prevents edema. To know more about pregnancy bed rest, talk to our doctors at KIMS Cuddles.

*Information shared here is for general purpose Please take doctors’ advice before taking any decision.