As it turned out, bed rest during pregnancy is very dangerous for both mother and child

05.09.2014

Every fifth pregnant women in the United States due to complications is forced to adhere bed treatment. Such a regime, of course, has some advantages, but it increases the risk of diabetes and clots in the blood, and can lead to depression and loss of muscular mass. Additionally, children whose mothers spent a lot of time lying down, often have reduced birthweight.

Researchers at the Medical Center of maternal treatment and fetus no longer recommend for women such entirely restrict of their physical activity. According to numerous polls, obstetricians and gynecologists often prescribe bed rest, although many of them do not believe that it somehow helps. It is prescribed in case of complications such as premature labor, high blood pressure, fetal growth defects, as well as at high risk of miscarriage.

Bedrest almost never brings positive effect. For example, it is often administered in an attempt to increase blood flow to the placenta, if the fetus is not growing fast enough. Studies also have found no benefit from this practice. At the same time, is widely known: limited activity leads to loss of muscle and bone mass.

Also bedrest increases the risk of blood clots in the legs, as well as the likelihood that clots move to the lungs. This, in turn, can lead to death. Blood clots are more common in pregnant women, and decreased physical activity is making matters worse.

Limitation of activity can also increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. Even for women who are not pregnant, appointment of bedrest often is cause of increased blood sugar levels. Such regime also increases risk of anxiety and depression, probably due to forced idleness. Besides, it leads to deterioration of material conditions due to loss of an opportunity to work.

Source: meddaily.ru