Bedrest "detrimental" for preterm labor??

Just read this online:

"Finally, some practitioners will suggest bedrest, though multiple large research studies have shown there's no evidence that it helps prevent preterm birth and in some instances may be detrimental ." (taken from THIS PAGE )

I've never heard this... and I'm on bedrest for preterm labor.

Does anyone know about this thinking? How could it be detrimental?

I totally trust my doc, but I feel if I bring this question up, it will a) show I'm looking on the internet about my situation, which is a no-no and b) suggest I don't trust his protocol.

Message edited 6/8/2011 12:46:56 PM.

Re: Bedrest "detrimental" for preterm labor??

Just wanted to give you I know how hard it is to read something online and get the exact opposite advice from a doctor..

Re: Bedrest "detrimental" for preterm labor??

First I cannot imagine how hard bedrest is.

If you have any questions about pregnancy & protocol, I don't think you should think twice about asking your doctor some questions.

I haven't read that it's detrimental but I imagine a big factor would be why it is being prescribed. I have several friends that were in pre-term labor (5 months & 6 months) where they were able to go to a full 36 weeks with a combination of bedrest & then eventually drugs (magnesium, i think?).

I have read up on bedrest as my SIL was on it very early on. The IMA (Israeli Medical Association) did a study regarding subchorionic hematoma, shortened cervix & the effect on bedrest. Reading the percentages, I think the outcome was pretty clear that it did help.

Link to study

Re: Bedrest "detrimental" for preterm labor??

First and foremost I know first hand how hard bed rest is I almost delivered de #1 at 24.5 weeks. I was on magnesium in the hospital they did a round of procardia and indocin which didn't work and ultimately after 7 days I was sent home with home contraction monitoring and a turbutaline pump and bedrest. I cannot imagine how bedrest can be detrimental. If it wasn't for bedrest and meds I would have lost my baby. Follow your drs protocol. If your questioning it ask them about your concerns. If I can help answer any of your questions please please please feel free to send me an FM

Re: Bedrest "detrimental" for preterm labor??

I would trust your doctor more than the Internet. Well, except for LIF...

Any time I have a problem or a symptom, if I look it up online I only drive myself crazy thinking the worst. Then when I go to the doctor, I'm 100% fine.

I think it's certainly fine to ask your doctor to explain why bedrest will help you and your baby. But remember that what you're reading is not a peer-reviewed medical journal; it's Babycenter.com. Please don't worry too much about your protocol unless the JAMA or a publication like that publishes results from a large, controlled study.

Re: Bedrest "detrimental" for preterm labor??

i was on strict bedrest for 20 weeks with the twins bc of a short cervix (from week 16 until i delivered them at 35.5 weeks). i was only allowed to be sitting (not even standing) for up to 2 hours a day MAX. my only real outings were to my 2x/wk Dr appointments. it is definitely NOT fun and at times i thought i was going to lose my mind, but i know that staying off my feet is what helped me deliver my twins to almost full term.
i also read some articles both online and in books that said that some research suggests bedrest doesnt really help prevent preterm labor and maybe in some cases it doesnt. but with a shortening cervix, how can keeping pressure off of it not help, KWIM?? i kept having to remind myself that even if there was a slight chance it was helping my LOs "cook" a little longer it was worth me feeling like a "prisoner" - and i did feel that way most of the time.
i will tell you that the weeks that i "cheated" a little and went out to dinner with DH or to visit family/friends, etc my cervix was always shorter at my next appt.
try keeping a journal for your baby. i would write them a little letter each week. it helped put into perspective that there was a bigger picture and kept reminding me that there was a "light at the end of the tunnel."

hang in there - only a few more weeks to go!!

Re: Bedrest "detrimental" for preterm labor??

Thank you all!

Don't get me wrong! I'm not questioning whether this bed rest is "worth it"... I know it is every time I feel my baby kick!!

I just didn't like reading that bed rest could be "detrimental". It's not like the article said that bed rest has not been "proven" to help... it used the word "detrimental" which made me do a double take.

I can't imagine keeping the weight off the cervix would be bad either. That's why I put it out there to ask what that sentence in the article could possibly mean.

Thanks for all your information and support!