Bed rest during pregnancy: what to do and what not to do

Some expectant mothers need bed rest during pregnancy, especially those who have high blood pressure during pregnancy. This can make the condition for you and the fetus during pregnancy better. Then, how should you run bed rest while pregnant?

What can be done during bed rest while pregnant?

Bed rest can be done in different ways between pregnant women as recommended by a doctor. Some have to do bed rest in the hospital in a short time, but some can be done at home. In essence, during bed rest you have to reduce activities that are usually done within a certain period.

However, bed rest doesn't mean you just lie on the bed doing nothing. In fact, if you just stay in bed all day, this might have a bad impact on you, such as stress, stiff muscles, poor blood circulation, and so on. For that, you should keep doing activities during bed rest.

But of course not just any activity that can be done. The activities you are allowed to do must be adjusted to your condition and your reasons why you should go to bed rest. However, in general, the activities that you can still do during bed rest are evening walks / indoors, bathing, sweeping, and other light activities.

Can I still exercise during bed rest?

When you reduce your activity and just stay in bed, of course your muscles work decreases. This results in reduced muscle mass, and muscles and joints feeling stiff from infrequent use. In addition, lying down for a long time can also make your blood circulation less smooth and increase the risk of blood clots.

For that, even though you are just lying on the bed, you are advised to keep moving or doing a little light exercise. Changing from side to side while sleeping may help stimulate your muscles and reduce pressure, if you are only allowed in bed. Lying on your side can also maximize blood flow to the uterus.

Squeezing the ball, shaking your hands and feet up and down, rotating your arms are some of the other movements you might be able to do while just in bed. You can also do other light exercise if allowed to get out of bed, such as twirling your legs, tightening your arm and leg muscles, walking, and so on. However, avoid doing sports that use the abdominal muscles.

What should not be done during bed rest while pregnant?

Doing strenuous activities is the main thing you should avoid while on bed rest. Lifting heavy objects, carrying children, completing office tasks late at night, and doing strenuous home activities you may have to avoid for some time.

Some pregnant women who experience placenta previa should also avoid activities that put pressure on the pelvis. These activities, such as having sex, using tampons, squatting repeatedly, brisk walking, or doing sports movements that involve the lower part of the body.

You should also avoid stress during bed rest. Not doing any activity during bed rest may make you bored and a little stressed. To prevent this, do activities that you enjoy and stick to light activities that you normally do. For example, taking a shower in the morning, watching TV, reading, and others.