What is bed rest and is it recommended?

Bed rest during pregnancy is no longer recommended for most conditions. While bed rest increases blood flow to the placenta, there is no evidence that it decreases the risk of premature birth.

In the rare situations when bed rest is recommended, it is prescribed at varying levels of activity restriction. In some cases, it means decreasing your activity level for a period of time. You might be free to move about the house, as long as you avoid lifting children and doing heavy housework. You might even be able to continue working.

In other cases, bed rest guidelines are stricter. You might need to remain in a sitting or reclining position, only getting up to use the toilet or shower. You might not be allowed to work or do even light household chores until the baby is born.