Your Guide to Navigating Bed Rest with a High-Risk Pregnancy

Being placed on bed rest during a high-risk pregnancy can bring a mix of emotions, from concern to frustration. While limiting movement for an extended period may not be what you envisioned, it serves an important purpose in protecting your health and your baby’s development. 

Here at North Atlantic OB/GYN, our obstetrics team wants to support you during this potentially overwhelming experience. With the right approach, bed rest can become a time of rest, preparation, and connection as you get ready to welcome your little one.

Why you might need to go on bed rest

Every pregnancy is different, and not all high-risk cases require bed rest. However, if there are concerns about your health or your baby’s well-being, we may recommend it to reduce complications. Some common reasons bed rest may be necessary include:

Preventing preterm birth

If your cervix starts to open too soon (cervical incompetence), bed rest can help ease pressure and lower the risk of preterm delivery.

Managing preeclampsia

High blood pressure during pregnancy (preeclampsia) can strain your organs and impact your baby’s health. Bed rest may help keep blood pressure stable and prevent complications.

Slowing signs of preterm labor

Contractions before 37 weeks can signal early labor. In such cases, resting can help delay delivery, giving your baby more time to develop.

Understanding different levels of bed rest

When we recommend you go on bed rest, we may be referring to a number of different precautions. We’ll determine the level of restriction based on your condition:

Modified bed rest

You may be allowed to sit up, take short bathroom trips, or briefly walk around your home. However, you should still spend most of your day resting.

Complete bed rest

In more severe cases, you’ll need to stay in bed except for essential movements like bathroom breaks. You may also be advised to lie on your side to improve blood flow to the placenta.

Pelvic rest

Sometimes, bed rest includes avoiding activities that put pressure on the pelvis, such as sexual intercourse or heavy lifting.

Making bed rest more manageable

Bed rest can be physically and emotionally challenging, but a few strategies can help you stay comfortable and engaged. We recommend setting up a cozy resting area with supportive pillows and blankets and easy access to essentials like water, snacks, and a phone charger.

Isolation can be difficult, so keep in touch with loved ones through phone calls, video chats, and social media to maintain a sense of connection. Pass the time with books, puzzles, crafting, or other hobbies that can be done from bed. If your job allows, you might also consider remote work to maintain a sense of routine.

Bed rest can also be a time to prepare for your baby. Use this time to research baby care, create a registry, or plan the nursery. Focusing on these tasks can help shift your mindset from restriction to preparation.

Always remember: Bed rest is temporary

While bed rest may feel limiting, it’s a short-term step toward a healthy pregnancy and a safe delivery. If you have questions or need support, our team is here to guide you through this journey.

Contact North Atlantic OB/GYN. We serve patients in Alpharetta, Marietta, and Atlanta, Georgia. Learn how to set up an appointment.