Bed rest is a common treatment for acute pain in the spine or joints, and is often prescribed during pregnancy for complications such as pre-existing conditions, high blood pressure, fetal growth problems, or preeclampsia. There are four types of bed rest, and complying with rest orders can have some negative effects but is prescribed when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Bed rest is a form of treatment prescribed by your doctor to limit activity. It is sometimes used when there is acute pain in the spine or joints. Back pain is the most frequent injury area resulting in this type of order.
Complications during pregnancy, however, are the most common reasons a doctor orders bed rest. Women with pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disease, are more likely to be bedridden during pregnancy. Women who are over 35 are considered to be at higher risk and therefore have a greater chance of some form of bed rest.
Bed rest is a common treatment option for women with an incompetent cervix. This is when the cervix is weak, which can lead to premature delivery or, in some cases, miscarriage. Preterm labor, or early contractions, is another reason your doctor may give this bedside order.
Other pregnancy problems that may require bed rest include things like high blood pressure, fetal growth problems, or preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition of marked high blood pressure. In this condition, there is an excessive amount of toxins in the urine which can harm the mother and baby if left untreated.
This form of treatment is ordered when the health and well-being of the baby and the mother may be in danger. Your doctor may prescribe this course of action for many other conditions or problems not listed here. For example, many mothers carrying twins will also have to comply with being bedridden.
There are four types of bed rest. Scheduled rest is when activities such as climbing steps, walking, or standing may be limited. There may also be a certain amount of time that needs to be spent lying down per day. Modified rest is when activities are still limited but rest time can be spent lying down or sitting up.
Strict bed rest means that activities are strictly prohibited, with the exception of bathroom breaks and short toilet time. This treatment requires most of the time to be spent lying down. Hospital bed rest, on the other hand, means that the mother and baby need constant monitoring. Therefore, this form of rest requires a prolonged hospital stay.
When you comply with rest orders, some problems can occur. Deconditioning or muscle atrophy, when muscles decrease, and a general decrease in circulation can occur. But it is prescribed when the benefits outweigh the risks.
Bed rest reduces the strain on the heart and increases blood flow to the kidneys for better fluid removal. It also increases circulation in the uterus, providing more nutrients to the baby and decreasing pressure on the cervix. Rest can also lower stress levels which in turn reduce stress hormone levels that can trigger twitching.
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