If Bedrest Is Recommended

A supportive family will help you cope with staying in bed.

Bedrest may be recommended if:

• you have experienced symptoms of premature labour
• you are going to have more than one child
• there are signs of slow fetal growth

Staying in bed is intended to increase the blood flow to the uterus and to prevent contractions stimulated by activity. The amount of time you will need to rest in bed depends on:

• how far along you are in the pregnancy
• if there have been changes in your cervix
• your health
• fetal health measures

Although bedrest can help protect your pregnancy, it has drawbacks for women and their families. Discuss the risks and benefits with your care provider. Prolonged bedrest has been associated with:

• weakening muscles
• less energy
• increased risk of blood clots
• constipation
• heartburn
• loss of calcium from the bones

Staying in bed may also lead to feelings of boredom, loneliness, anxiety, mood swings and depression.

Recovering after the birth may take longer if you have been in bed. If you have been in bed for a long time, plan ahead for help when you are home with the baby or babies.

What Can I Do?

You may be uncertain about the activities you can do when your doctor has suggested bedrest. Most women can do some gentle exercise, to reduce the physical aches and pains of being in bed for long periods of time. In the Coping with Restrictions section, we also talk about activities you can do to keep busy, if you must be in bed.

If you are unsure what activities are OK, ask your caregivers. Use this question sheet to help clarify with your caregiver what activities are acceptable.

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