Bed Rest for Preterm Labor
Topic Overview
Expectant management is the close monitoring of a
pregnancy for complications. It may involve some bed rest at home or in the
hospital. Being on expectant management may mean you are advised to stop
working, reduce your activity level, or possibly spend a lot of time resting
(partial bed rest).
There is no evidence that long-term bed rest
lowers the risk of preterm delivery.1 Studies have
shown that strict bed rest for 3 days or more may raise your risk of getting a
blood clot in the legs or lungs.2 Strict bed rest is no longer used to prevent preterm labor.
But your doctor may recommend expectant management with some bed rest (partial
bed rest).
If you are prescribed partial bed rest
If your
doctor or nurse-midwife suggests expectant management for preventing preterm
labor, discuss the benefits and risks in light of your condition.
When you are resting or sleeping during late pregnancy, try to lie on
your side. This is thought to improve blood flow to the uterus and fetus(es).
Dehydration can trigger contractions, so be sure to drink plenty
of fluids each day.
When you are lying down, remember to flex your
feet, stretch, and move your legs as much as possible.
References
Citations
-
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
(2003, reaffirmed 2008). Management of preterm labor. ACOG Practice Bulletin
No. 43. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 101(5):
1039–1047.
-
Cunningham FG, et al., eds. (2010). Preterm birth. In
Williams Obstetrics, 23rd ed., pp. 804–831. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine |
|
Last Revised
|
January 10, 2011 |
Last Revised:
January 10, 2011
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
(2003, reaffirmed 2008). Management of preterm labor. ACOG Practice Bulletin
No. 43. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 101(5):
1039–1047.
Cunningham FG, et al., eds. (2010). Preterm birth. In
Williams Obstetrics, 23rd ed., pp. 804–831. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
