Is bed rest during pregnancy really helpful?

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Lai Thi Nguyet Hang - Obstetrician and Gynecologist - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

Some doctors recommend bed rest when they have conditions such as: growth problems in the baby, high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia, vaginal bleeding from placental abruption, preterm labor, etc. uterine prolapse, threatened miscarriage, and other problems. Doctors hope that by implementing bed rest, pregnant women will reduce the risk of premature birth or experiencing pregnancy complications.
However, studies of bed rest have found no evidence that bed rest works for any of these pregnancy conditions, and it does not reduce the risk of complications. or premature birth.
Many doctors know that there is no good evidence that bed rest helps. Some studies have even shown that bed rest has real risks, including:
Family stress Low birth weight babies Slower recovery from birth Weakened bones and muscles Decreased mass bone mass (bone demineralization) Blood clots in a deep vein, such as a vein in the legs (venous thrombosis) Impaired musculoskeletal and cardiovascular function Stress from self-blame, care issues children and worry about losing a job or finances

Studies show that the more bed rest a person has, the worse these side effects are. As a result, studies suggest that pregnant women, even with complications, should continue with their more normal routine instead of lying in bed. There is evidence that physical activity during pregnancy reduces the risk of problems such as low birth weight and preeclampsia.

If you've had a suspected episode of preterm labor or you're at high risk for preterm labor, your doctor may recommend activity restriction. This means avoiding lifting objects heavier than 20 pounds and limiting movement during pregnancy with recreational exercise, especially endurance training and heavy lifting. It may also include changing your work schedule.
If you've had a preterm labor or you find the frequency or intensity of contractions increases after sex, your doctor may recommend avoiding sexual activity. If your water breaks before labor begins (premature rupture of membranes), the placenta is low, or the placenta covers part or all of the cervix (placental abruption), your doctor will discuss avoiding these operations. like sex and exercise.

Feel free to question your doctor's advice and ask him or her to explain why and need a clear answer. You can ask your doctor questions including:
Why should you rest in bed? Do you have to stay in bed all day? Is bed rest really necessary? Are there other options? What are the specific benefits that a pregnant woman and her unborn child will receive from bed rest? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? What do medical studies show? What are some potential problems with bed rest? If you have concerns afterward, get a second opinion or talk to a professional. Your doctor should give you a clear reason to rest in bed.

If you and your doctor agree that you should try bed rest, you need to know exactly what to expect. Bed rest can be physically and mentally difficult.

Scheduling your day and staying on schedule will help you fight boredom. Get dressed in the morning. Keep a to-do list and plan activities for the day, such as reading, watching a movie, or playing a charade. Do the exercises your doctor recommends. You need to maintain your muscle strength and moving your legs will reduce the risk of blood clots.
You need the help of family and friends to get through this. In addition, it is necessary to aim for a balanced diet with lots of fiber and drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of constipation.
It can be difficult to ask for help, but you need it. If a friend or family member asks how they can help, provide specific details. Start learning a new language, take a correspondence class, watch YouTube videos on how to draw, or learn to knit.
To have a healthy pregnancy, in addition to balancing a reasonable diet, pregnant women should also rest in moderation and need to perform regular antenatal checkups so that the doctor can make appropriate assessments for the development of the baby. fetal development in stages.
Currently, Vinmec General Hospital offers pregnant women a comprehensive maternity care program under the supervision and examination of specialized obstetricians during pregnancy. The examination will help assess the factors that are harmful to the health of the mother and the baby, from there, there are warnings and advice to help pregnant women recognize the effects and know how to prevent to have a healthy pregnancy.

Reference source: webmd.com - mayoclinic.org