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When Bed Rest Is Best
The thought of lounging in bed all day watching Seinfeld reruns or reading probably sounds like a dream come true: no laundry to wash, no errands to run, no job hassles to think about. But what if you were stuck in that bed for six to eight weeks on doctor's orders? If you're one of the thousands of women put on bed rest every year due to pregnancy complications, staying in the prone position day after day isn't a luxury -- it's a necessity.
"A doctor wants to do everything possible to help a woman deliver a healthy, full-term baby," explains Bruce Flamm, M.D., an ob-gyn in Riverside, California, and a Parents adviser. "If complications arise during pregnancyand we think having the patient spend a few weeks off her feet will help the condition, we'll try it." For women suffering from abnormal bleeding, preterm labor, or incompetent cervix (in which the cervix becomes prematurely dilated), it's simply a matter of gravity: By remaining horizontal as much as possible, you're limiting pressure on the cervix. For those with preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure), lack of exertion can help stabilize the condition. Bed rest may also be prescribed if you've had a previous miscarriage or premature delivery, if you're carrying multiples, or if you have a high-risk condition such as placenta previa (in which the placenta covers the cervical opening).
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My heart goes out to all of you, I can imagine it is a tough thing to go through but such an awesome sacrifice ya'll are making for the well being of your little one's. Hang in there ladies and best wishes to all of you :)
7/9/2011 11:36:00 AM Report AbuseI have been on bed rest since I was 23 weeks due to my water breaking early. I am now 30 weeks. I gotta stay on bed rest until I deliver at 34 weeks. This bed is killing my back. Thank god for my lap top or I would have already gone crazy. Staying in tha bed this long is no joke.
3/25/2011 02:57:47 PM Report AbuseI been having contractions on and off since I was 29, ended up in the hospital they gave me a shot to stop the contractions but the doctor didn't put me on bed rest. I went back for my regular check up I had contractions again they performed a test and it was negative but they haven't put me on bed rest. I do feel the contractions on and off but, the doctor only told me to keep off my feet as much as can and not to do any work.
2/11/2011 05:34:48 PM Report Abuse30 wks on bed rest in the hospital due 2 lupus flare and preeclampsia. Been here a total of 2 weeks, but doc r looking to keep me 4 an additional 4 more weeks. Not fun, but its something that has 2 be done 4 my health and my baby girls health.
9/10/2010 05:43:46 PM Report Abusei am on bed rest also i am now 29 weeks . i have a short cervix with a cerclauge . this is my fourth pregnancy and third time doing this , i dont have any more patcience to lay down all the time ..ANY THOUGHTS
3/26/2010 12:56:26 PM Report AbuseI had been contracting and my cervix had dialated to 1 all the way through by the time I was 26 weeks I kept coming up with negative fFn test than I came up with a positive one at 33 weeks the doctor put me on bed rest, it hurts more to lay around all the time than to just walk around my hips hurt more and my back hurts more just from laying around all the time.
10/15/2009 07:15:08 PM Report Abuse