About bed rest

We have determined that you are at risk of preterm birth. In an attempt to delay delivery, we recommend bed rest. Bed rest means that you should lie down for shorter or longer periods of time. When you lie down, the pressure from the baby on your cervix might be alleviated, which can help relax the muscles around the cervix.

The majority of women should rest most of the day, but we will talk to you about what applies to you.

Things to be aware of

Pay attention to the amount of Braxton Hicks contractions you experience

Contact us if you begin experiencing more Braxton Hicks contractions than usual, or if they become stronger and last longer. And if you are already admitted to hospital, tell staff about the increasing contractions.

If you feel a downward pull in your stomach

Contact us if you begin feeling an increased downward pull sensation in your abdomen.
And if you are already admitted to hospital, tell staff about the increased downward pull.

Negative effects of bed rest

Keeping your body still can have negative impacts. Not moving or only moving very little can negatively affect your body. The less you move, the more at risk you are of the following:

• Increased decalcification of your bones.
• Blood clots.
• Reduced muscle mass.
• Pain in your joints and muscles.

Some of the problems can be wholly or partly mitigated by exercises.

Exercises

Exercise every day

Movement is important during pregnancy, even if you have been recommended bed rest for a period of time.

You should do the exercises linked below at least once a day while on bed rest. The exercises will help prevent muscle loss and make you feel better when lying down. The effect of the exercises increases if you do them several times a day. Contact us if you need help getting started with the exercises.

It can be beneficial to continue doing the exercises even after you feel better and are no longer on bed rest.

You can watch the exercises at: regionh.dk/3pm