Understanding Reasons For Bed Rest Recommendations In Pregnancy

If your obstetrician has advised that you need to spend your days on bed rest, it can be a bit unnerving. The best way to relax about the situation is to understand the reasons why bed rest is recommended so that you know what to expect. Here are a few of the things that you need to know.

Reasons For Restriction

There are many different reasons why you may be ordered to spend your days on bed rest. While your doctor will explain the specific reasons for your restriction, some of the things that can lead to it may include:

Hypertension - Hypertension comes in two primary forms during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a condition that includes a combination of high blood pressure along with protein present in the urine. Gestational hypertension, on the other hand, is high blood pressure without that protein. Elevated blood pressure with or without those protein markers can increase the risk of placental abruption or preterm labor. In many cases, hypertension comes with bed rest instructions or at least guidance to limit your activity.

Weak Cervix - If your cervix has started to dilate before you've reached full term, it's a condition known as a weak cervix. This can increase the risk of pre-term labor. Most obstetricians will recommend bed rest in this case to help minimize the weight on your cervix.

Restricted Growth - Sometimes a condition known as a growth restriction results in a baby that's not developing according to the expectations of the gestational age. This condition is often caused by problems with blood flow, genetic defects or even other maternal health issues. If the problem is related to blood flow or other health conditions, bed rest may be recommended.

Early Labor.- If you have a multiple-baby pregnancy or you've had a history of premature births, your doctor may suggest bed rest as you approach the last trimester. This is usually in an effort to minimize the strain on your body to help ensure that your baby reaches a safe gestational age before delivery.

Placental Issues - Any time there are problems with the placenta's development or position, you'll likely be advised that bed rest is essential. Activity can worsen problems with the placenta, so keeping you on bed rest may help to keep your baby safe until your delivery.

Understanding some of the things that can lead to an instruction of bed rest may help you to be prepared during your pregnancy. If you're experiencing any of these complications and have concerns, talk with your obstetrician or call Desert Rose OBGYN PC about bed rest suggestions and how that may help you.

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