What is Bed Rest?

Bed rest is a form of medically prescribed treatment to limit activity. It is sometimes used when there is acute pain in the spine or joints. Back pain is the most frequent area of injury that results in this type of order.

Complications during pregnancy, however, are the most common reasons a physician would order bed rest. Women with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder are more likely to be confined to bed some time during the pregnancy. Women who are over 35 years old are considered a higher risk and therefore have an increased chance of some form of bed rest.

Bed rest is a common treatment option for women with an incompetent cervix. This is when the cervix is weak which can lead to preterm delivery or, in some instances, a miscarriage. Preterm labor, or early contractions, is another reason the doctor may give this order bed.

Other pregnancy problems that may require bed rest include such things as high blood pressure, fetal growth problems, or preeclampsia Preeclampsia is a condition of marked high blood pressure. In this condition, there is an excessive amount of toxins in the urine which can harm the mother and the baby if left untreated.

This form of treatment is ordered when the health and welfare of the child and the mother may be in jeopardy. The physician may prescribe this course of action for many other conditions or problems not stated here. For example, many mothers carrying multiples will also need to conform to being confined to bed.

There are four types of bed rest. Scheduled rest is when activities such as step-climbing, walking, or standing may be restricted. There also may be a certain amount of time that must be spent lying down per day. Modified rest is when activities are still limited but resting time can be spent lying down or sitting.

Strict bed rest means activities are stringently prohibited, except for bathroom breaks and short bathing time. This treatment requires that the majority of time must be spent lying down. Hospital bed rest, on the other hand, means the mother and baby are in need of constant monitoring. Therefore, this form of rest necessitates an extended stay in the hospital.

When adhering to rest orders, some problems may occur. Deconditioning or muscle atrophy, when the muscles decrease, and a general decrease in circulation may occur. But it is prescribed when the benefits outweigh the risks.

Bed rest decreases the strain on the heart and increases blood flow to the kidneys for better fluid removal. It also increases the circulation to the uterus, giving more nutrients to the baby while decreasing the pressure on the cervix. Resting can also lower stress levels which in turn decreases stress hormone levels which may trigger contraction.