Bed rest during pregnancy, what is it for? who needs it?

Some of the pregnant women may have been required to bed rest during her pregnancy. Yes, sometimes bed rest while pregnant is required under certain conditions. This is done to maintain the health of the mother during pregnancy and the fetus. Want to know more about bed rest when pregnant? Check out the following explanation.

What is that bed rest when pregnant?

Some pregnant women in certain conditions may need to bed rest. When bed rest, mothers are required to get more rest and lower their activity levels over time. Bed rest that doesn't mean you have to spend all day in bed. You can still do activities in the house, but not strenuous activities.

However, in certain cases, bed rest it also means that you are only in a sitting or lying position. You are only allowed to wake up when you want to go to the toilet or bathroom. Apparently, how to form bed rest for pregnant women it depends on the condition of pregnant women. Of course, your doctor will tell you what to do and what not to do during bed rest. So, you don't have to worry.

What's the purpose bed rest when pregnant?

Bed rest when pregnant is certainly done for a specific purpose, which takes into account the condition of you and the fetus in the womb. As:

Provide opportunities for the body to work normally / recover
Reduces stress
Lowering blood pressure (for those who suffer from high blood pressure)
Reducing the risk of preterm birth
Increase maternal blood flow to the placenta
Helps increase fetal weight in the womb

Anyone who may need bed rest when pregnant?

Several conditions pregnant women may need for bed rest is:

Preeclampsia, eclampsia, or high blood pressure
There is a risk of preterm delivery
Changes in the cervix (cervix), especially if you are pregnant with twins or have a history of cervical incompetence
Multiple pregnancy, because it is more at risk
Poor fetal growth and development
Gestational diabetes
Vaginal bleeding
Placental complications, such as placental abruption, placenta previa, and placenta accreta

What are the side effectsbed rest when pregnant?

Bed rest while pregnant helps to restore certain conditions. However, bed rest being pregnant can also make you uncomfortable and can have side effects for you. All day sitting or sleeping and not doing any activities, of course, can make your body ache.

Spending long periods of time in bed can make your muscles and joints achy and sore. In addition, it can also increase the risk of blood clots, especially in the legs. Not doing much activity also increases the risk of decreased bone mass.

Not only that, you may also feel emotionally bored. This puts you at risk for anxiety, depression, guilt, and feelings mood swing to increase. These negative emotions can certainly hinder your recovery.

What to do when bed rest during pregnancy?

To avoid the negative effects of bed rest, you should ask your doctor, what you can still do at the time bed rest. So, there is something you can do that you don't spend the whole day in bed with.

The following are tips to keep you healthy at the time bed rest:

Do what you can do. For example, such as walking around your room, reading books, watching TV, playing the internet, and so on.
Do any light exercise you can. You may still be able to do light exercise in bed so that your blood circulation is maintained. For example, like moving your hands and feet in a circle or squeezing a ball.
Keep up your food intake. Make sure you eat a healthy diet. If you can't eat a lot at once, you can eat smaller portions but more often.
Many drink. So that your body is well hydrated. Drinking lots of water can also help you avoid constipation, considering you only do a little activity.
Sleep or sit in a comfortable position. Lying on your left side can help improve blood flow to the fetus. You may need to change your sleeping position every hour to prevent stiffness, reduce pain, and prevent skin irritation. Placing a pillow under your head, under your stomach, and between your knees may make you more comfortable. When you finish eating, try not to go to sleep right away. Better to sit down for a while first to prevent heartburn.