Pregnancy is often a joyous time in a woman's life as she and her partner begin to create a family. The joy can become challenging and a point of concern very quickly if medical complications lead to bed rest. Bed rest during pregnancy ensures that the expectant mom is not exerting herself too much and may help to protect the baby from being born prematurely.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure during pregnancy is called preeclampsia and is a common reason for being put on bed rest. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood institute, one of the National Institutes of Health, preeclampsia (also called toxemia) may be diagnosed if a pregnant woman's blood pressure level reads higher than 140/90 mm Hg. Urine tests may also show increased levels of protein as a sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Incompetent Cervix
Bed rest is often prescribed when a woman is diagnosed with an incompetent cervix during her pregnancy. An incompetent cervix is a weakening in the cervix that increases the chances of early dilation, which could lead to pre-term labor. Normal activities such as walking may cause a weakened cervix to efface and dilate before the baby is full term. If an expectant mom is not a candidate for a cerclage---a procedure in which the cervix is stitched closed---bed rest can reduce the risk of dilation.
Carrying Multiples
Women carrying twins, triplets or higher-order multiples may need to follow doctor's orders for bed rest in their second or third trimesters. A multiple pregnancy is more likely to result in premature birth than a single pregnancy. Restricting movement can help keep the babies gestating for a longer period of time.
Pre-term Labor
Mothers who experience or have a history of pre-term labor may require bed rest. The American Pregnancy Association estimates that 12 percent of all women experience premature labor. Contracting and going into labor before 37 weeks may be stopped by a combination of medication and rest, depending on the gestational age of the baby.
Problems with the Placenta
The placenta is attached to the wall of the uterus and delivers nutrients to the unborn baby through the umbilical cord. If the placenta is located too close to the cervix or detaches itself from the uterine wall, the baby's well-being could be in danger. Bed rest is advised during these conditions (called placenta previa and placental abruption respectively) and may be prescribed in addition to other treatments.
Bleeding
Vaginal bleeding may occur during pregnancy for a number of reasons. Bed rest may be the solution until the bleeding stops. The duration of limited activity may range from a few days if the bleeding stops to the remainder of the pregnancy if placental abruption or other more serious conditions are diagnosed.
