Bed rest can be a vital part of your pregnancy care. Even if you are on the strictest form of bed rest, exercise can be vital. There are some simple exercises that can help you. The lack of physical activity, on the other hand, can have a detrimental effect on your body physically, mentally, and emotionally. This must be weighed against the hazards of activity on your pregnancy, your baby, and your body.

The biggest fear of bed rest is that your body will physically atrophy to the point where you are unable to resume a normal activity level after the birth. When physical inactivity is necessary, this can cause your muscles to lose their tone. The lack of routine weight bearing can also cause calcium loss from your bones. The effect on your body is a feeling of weakness and inability to get around.

If you are on a less severe form of bed rest, start making plans for physical activity by talking to your practitioner about simple stretches. These do not raise your heart rate but do offer your muscle some form of exercise and tension relief. Simple stretches can be done even while in bed if necessary.