Your healthcare provider may recommend bed rest if you’re diagnosed with a pregnancy complication like preeclampsia or vaginal bleeding. The length of time you’re on bed rest and what you’re allowed to do varies depending on your condition. There isn’t conclusive evidence that bed rest is effective at preventing preterm labor or premature birth.
If your pregnancy care provider recommends bed rest, it means they’re concerned about a health condition that could cause pregnancy complications or premature labor. Your provider may put you on bed rest for a few weeks or several months. Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe bed rest during pregnancy to increase the chances of your pregnancy being carried to term. Carrying your baby to term means you’re pregnant at least 37 weeks before your baby is born. Bed rest can mean several things like restricting your activities, being admitted to the hospital or staying in bed at home.
Some studies suggest bed rest during pregnancy doesn’t help reduce complications or prevent preterm labor. However, many providers still see the benefit of bed rest and believe it leads to more successful outcomes. Other providers don’t think the risks outweigh the benefits. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) doesn’t recommend bed rest as a routine treatment. They, instead, recommend reducing your usual activities instead of stopping your activities entirely.
Bed rest can mean several things. There isn’t one standard definition, so talk to your healthcare provider about what you’re permitted and not permitted to do on bed rest.
Some forms of bed rest are:
It’s OK to ask your healthcare provider to define bed rest based on your condition so you’re both on the same page.
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Your healthcare provider may recommend bed rest to decrease your chances of early labor or to help treat a pregnancy condition that could lead to complications for you or the fetus. The most common reasons for bed rest during pregnancy are:
Remember, you can ask your healthcare provider for their reasons for prescribing bed rest and ask them to explain their recommendation.
If your healthcare provider recommends bed rest during pregnancy, you should feel safe asking them questions. Some questions to ask include:
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There’s no solid research either for or against bed rest. Many healthcare providers believe it’s worth trying if it may increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. For providers that support bed rest, they believe it:
However, other providers believe bed rest causes more harm without leading to better pregnancy outcomes.
Your healthcare provider will give you specific information about your activity level. This will depend on the reasons you’re on bed rest. Some people must remain in bed or on a couch for most of the day, while others may only need to modify their activity level.
Examples of activities that are usually allowed are:
Everyone is different. It’s best to talk to your provider about your specific restrictions. Generally speaking, the activities that aren’t permitted include:
Check with your provider to make sure you know what activities are permitted while you’re on bed rest.
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Many pregnant people are advised to lie on their side during bed rest with their legs bent. This maximizes blood flow to your uterus. Some healthcare providers also recommend:
Your healthcare provider can recommend safe ways to exercise while on bed rest. For example, rolling your ankles, wrists and neck in circles or squeezing a stress ball can help encourage blood circulation.
Depending on the type of bed rest prescribed, your healthcare provider may tell you to have someone else drive you to prenatal appointments. While you may be permitted to walk from your car to the entrance of your provider’s office, you should avoid long walks and standing for long periods of time.
If your healthcare provider has advised strict bed rest, you’ll have to make arrangements for child care during the day and at night. While challenging for you and your family, try to provide some stability in your other children’s routine. For example, participate in activities with your children you can do while sitting down, such as watching a movie, helping them with homework or reading a book.
Constipation is a common side effect of bed rest during pregnancy. Eating a well-balanced diet with extra fiber and drinking enough water may help prevent constipation. If constipation becomes a problem, your healthcare provider may advise you to take a bulk laxative, such as Metamucil®, or a stool softener, such as Colace®.
Bed rest can be challenging, so it’s important to be organized and establish a daily routine. Take a shower and get dressed every day. Make sure that you have certain items close by. These items could include:
Being on bed rest can get boring. The following activities may give you something to do to fight off boredom.
Yes, there are risks to bed rest during pregnancy. Some research suggests the risks outweigh the potential benefits. Some disadvantages include:
Remember, only you and your healthcare provider can decide what is best for you. If you feel uncomfortable with your provider’s recommendation, you can seek a second opinion or consult with a maternal-fetal medicine specialist.
This depends on how long you’ve been on bed rest. If you’ve been inactive for a long time, you may experience muscle weakness and lack of energy after delivery. A physical therapist or a massage therapist may be able to help you minimize these effects. Having help during the postpartum time is important. In those first few weeks, try to rest or sleep when your baby sleeps, eat healthy food and snacks and delegate chores so that you can recover.
Call your healthcare provider if you’re on bed rest and:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Being put on bed rest during pregnancy can make you feel scared, frustrated or even relieved. The medical community isn’t entirely certain that bed rest is effective at preventing pregnancy complications or early labor. However, some providers prescribe bed rest to give you and the fetus the best possible outcome. Check with your healthcare provider about what activities you’re allowed and not allowed to do while on bed rest. They will have specific instructions based on your condition and situation. While it may be boring and upsetting to stay still, try to stay positive and think happy thoughts about meeting your baby soon.
Last reviewed on 10/04/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy