PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH

9 Pregnancy Myths That Might Surprise You - Myth 3

By Temma Ehrenfeld and Sherry Baker @temmaehrenfeld
 | 
November 09, 2017
Attractive pregnant woman holding an apple on her belly while ly --- Image by © Wavebreak Media Ltd/Veer/Corbis

Claim #3: If you’re at risk of a pre-term labor, you need therapeutic bed rest. 

 

Response: False. There’s no evidence that bed rest is effective to lower the risk of pre-term labor, according to the ACOG, and it could cause harm. Bedrest is not recommended for women at risk of preterm labor because it can increase your risk of blood clots, bone weakening, and loss of muscle strength.

The Cleveland Clinic does point out there are some other reasons your doctor may prescribe bed rest while you’re pregnant, including vaginal bleeding, a weak cervix that may open prematurely, and preeclampsia — a potentially dangerous condition marked by swelling, very high blood pressure,  and protein in the urine.

 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Listening to Mothers in the Delivery Room 

 

 

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Updated:  

June 23, 2022

Reviewed By:  

Janet O’Dell, RN