EXPECTINGEverything to Know

by Amanda Hayward

If you are having complications during your pregnancy, your OB/Gyn may not prescribe to you what was once referred to as “bed rest” but rather “activity restriction.” Over the years, bed rest has actually been known to cause more problems than solutions to your pregnancy which is why the term “bed rest” is increasingly becoming known as “modified activity” or “activity restriction” amongst physicians.

From Bed Rest to Modified Activity

Whether you’ll be asked to actually “put your feet up” really boils down to your practitioner’s preference. According to Andrew Chang, MD with Kettering Health Medical Group OB-GYN, bed rest has been commonly thought to help with preterm labor/preterm birth and possibly preeclampsia. However, over time, evidence has shown that that not only does it not help prevent those things, it may increase risk of blood clots, deconditioning and bone demineralization.

“Modified activity, weight lifting restrictions, and pelvic rest are more commonly recommended to obstetric patients who are at increased risk for preterm labor, vaginal bleeding and preterm premature rupture of membranes,” Chang explains.