Bed Rest
Bed rest can be prescribed for your pregnancy to help prevent problems or complications. It can be prescribed early in pregnancy or late in pregnancy, and can last anywhere from a few days to months. Some conditions that may require some form of bed rest might be:
Placenta previa
Preterm labor
Cerclage or premature dilation
Multiple gestation (particularly higher order multiples)
Fetal growth restriction
Moderate Bed Rest
Moderate bed rest is often prescribed for mild complications of pregnancy such as elevated blood pressure or a threatened early miscarriage. Typically, this form of bed rest doesn't last very long. If you are placed on moderate bed rest, you will probably be given very clear indications of how much you should be up and around. You may have a certain number of hours that you are required to stay in bed.
Essential
Support is crucial in a pregnancy that requires bed rest. Whether you have children at home or you don't, look into having friends and family help with housework, chores, and meals while you're resting to protect your baby. Many are glad to lend a hand. If that's not possible, find professional support through the use of a postpartum doula.
Strict Bed Rest
Strict bed rest is the second highest form of bed rest. This is prescribed for complications, such as active bleeding from placenta previa and preterm labor, which is controlled through rest or medications. If you are on strict bed rest, you might be asked to stay in bed except for a certain list of things you do daily. This can include bathroom breaks, a shower or bath, and perhaps one meal with your family.
Hospital Bed Rest
Hospital bed rest is the most severe form of bed rest. It is used for complications with preterm labor that are not well controlled. It can also be used if you are prematurely dilating or if your bag of waters (membranes) has ruptured, prior to term. You may even be forced to use a bed pan or catheter to use the bathroom. Sometimes you will be kept in bed at an angle, called Trendelenberg position, where your head is kept below your feet. While this is uncomfortable, it is used to remove pressure from your cervix. Generally, you will stay here until the birth of your baby.
