Bedrest
Bed rest is a form of medical treatment where a patient is advised to remain in bed for an extended period to promote healing, alleviate symptoms, or prevent complications. This treatment is commonly prescribed for various medical conditions such as pregnancy complications, post-surgery recovery, and muscular or skeletal injuries. Bed rest usually entails lying down or sitting up in bed for most of the day with little to no physical activity. The duration of bed rest can vary depending on the condition and the patient’s response to treatment. Although bed rest may seem like a comfortable option, it can also have adverse effects on physical and mental health, such as muscle weakness, bone loss, and depression. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the benefits and risks of bed rest and follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. Please keep reading for details on the following topics:
Indications for bed rest
Risks of bed rest
Reasons for bed rest
Side effects of bed rest
Ways to cope with movement restrictions
How to deal with discomforts from bed rest
How does bed rest affect postpartum
INDICATIONS FOR BEDREST
High blood pressure, such as preeclampsia or eclampsia
Cervical changes, such as incompetent cervix or cervical effacement
Vaginal bleeding
Premature labor
Multiple babies
History of pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or premature birth
Placenta complications, such as placental abruption, placenta previa
RISKS OF BEDREST
A blood clot in a deep vein, such as a vein in your leg (venous thromboembolism)
Decreased bone mass (bone demineralization)
Musculoskeletal and cardiovascular deconditioning
Maternal weight loss or weight gain
Stress due to self-blame, child care issues, and concerns about job loss or finances
An increased risk of depression and anxiety
REASONS FOR BEDREST
Bed rest is used to give the body it’s best chance to normalize. Bed rest will be used with women who have conditions related to high blood pressure in order to decrease stress on the heart and lower blood pressure.
Work, activity, lifting, or exercise may worsen or provoke certain situations, so bed rest may be prescribed to reduce vaginal bleeding or decrease
the chance of premature labor.
Bed rest may also be necessary to help increase blood flow to the placenta thus improve the circulation of blood in the uterus and offers extra
nourishment and oxygen to the baby.
To help the cervix remain free from any kind of pressure thus lower the risk of premature contractions.
To allow the pelvis to rest
To stop preterm labor for women experiencing early labor If the woman has a low lying placenta
Women having complications with the cervix
SIDE EFFECTS OF BEDREST
Blood clots in the legs from lack of movement
Stress
Financial or job loss
Reduction in the bone mass
Feel helpless
Can only see the ceiling
See the same people everyday (nurses, doctor, janitor), routine or activities (vital signs, using a bedpan, sponge baths, same medication)
Not your favorite food being offered
Don’t like the bed(uncomfortable), bathroom (have to share it), curtains (no privacy)
Miss family and sleeping by your spouse
COPING WITH MOVEMENT RESTRICTIONS
Get organized. Make sure everything you need for the day is within reach.
Beat boredom. Email, text or write letters. Organize photos or start a scrapbook. Shop for baby goods online. Read your way through the best-seller list. Learn relaxation techniques for labor. Make plans for baby. Going home. Prepare room.
Seek support. To maintain a positive attitude, connect with other moms-to-be on bed rest or those who have been through it. Check for support groups online. If you’re having trouble coping, ask your health care provider or mental health provider for additional help.
Expect emotional challenges. Share your fears, hopes and concerns with your partner. Let each other vent. If sex isn’t allowed, look for other ways to maintain intimacy.
Stay limber. Stretch your legs and ankles or do gentle exercises whilst in bed to help prevent blood clots and keep your muscles strong.
Accept help. When friends and loved ones ask what they can do, be prepared with a list of tasks
Start a journal. Putting your thoughts to paper can be therapeutic and imagine sharing what you were thinking and going through with your loved ones one day. Whether you share with them or keep it as a private journal, these days and weeks will go by faster than you think. It can be fun to look back and remember how far you have come.
Avoid lifting or any strenuous activity.
Monitor what you eat. Be sure you’re following a healthy pregnancy diet. To keep heartburn at bay, try to eat many small meals during the day instead of three big ones. Dried fruit (which is also chock-full of vitamins) will help keep you regular.
Stay hydrated! You’re eating and drinking for two. And while it’s easy to remember to drink water when you’re being active, it’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re not. Getting enough fluids helps minimize swelling and constipation, especially when you’re moving less.
Keep comfortable. If you are confined to bed for most of the day, maximize blood flow to your uterus by lying on your side, not your back, and change sides every hour or so to lessen body aches and prevent skin irritations. Put a pillow under your head, a body pillow under your belly and between your knees and perhaps a pillow behind you, if that helps you to balance. Sitting up slightly in bed (especially after eating) helps prevent heartburn.
HOW CAN I DEAL WITH BED REST DISCOMFORTS?
Bed rest will tend to cause your muscles to lose tone and make some of your joints ache. Lying down for long periods of time can also reduce your blood circulation. Changing from side to side will help stimulate your muscles and relieve pressure.
Exercise is important for your blood circulation, but make sure that you visit with your health care provider before you begin any exercises.
Below are common exercises that may be used:
Squeezing stress balls
Pressing your hands and feet against the bed
Turning your arms and feet in circles
Tensing or tightening your arm and leg muscles
Avoid using your abdominal muscles when you are stretching or exercising. Again, consult with your healthcare provider about the best ways for you to get exercise in your situation.
In addition to feeling tired and isolated, you may experience muscle and joint pain, backache and dizziness. A physical therapist or a massage
therapist may be able to help you deal with these conditions
CAN BED REST AFFECT MY POSTPARTUM RECOVERY?
This depends on how long you have been on prescribed bed rest. If you have been inactive for a long time, you may experience muscle weakness and a lack of energy after your delivery. 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.