Women sometimes experience complications with their pregnancies. Stress, the environment, poor eating habits, pre-existing conditions, and other factors can have an effect on the pregnancy. Occasionally, these stressors can produce an environment where preterm labor occurs. Preterm labor is defined as regular uterine contractions with progressive changes in the cervix (effacement or dilation) or regular uterine contractions with a cervix that is 2 cm dilated and 80% effaced at less than 37 weeks gestation.

Most often, mother and baby are both in general good health. The baby does not show signs of distress (as determined by fetal monitoring). The placenta is still able to nourish the developing baby. The initial evaluation and treatment of preterm labor occurs in the hospital setting with the care provider. The mother is placed on bed rest. Usually, intravenous fluids are given for a short period to ensure hydration. In 50% of cases where labor is not associated with bleeding or rupture of membranes, labor can be stopped with bed rest and fluids.

Some physicians recommend reduced activity levels, but others recommend complete bed rest. Currently, there is some debate about the routine use of bed rest in high risk pregnancy. However, bed rest can be beneficial in some circumstances. If your physician directs you to bed, it is best to comply. Many women dislike bed rest, but the potential long term benefit to the baby far outweighs the short term problems for the mother.

The Mayo Clinic cites three benefits of total bed rest:

The reclining position decreases the pressure of the baby on the cervix. The reduction in pressure may reduce stretching of the cervix. Cervical pressure can cause contractions and miscarriage.

Bed rest increases blood flow to the placenta, thereby improving oxygenation and nutrition for the fetus who is growing poorly or hindered by problems with the placenta.

Helps the mother's organs function more efficiently. Improved heart and kidney function can help in the management of high blood pressure (hypertension/PIH).

Very few women enjoy bed rest. However, bed rest can be an important treatment in the management of complicated pregnancies. Here are some helpful tips.

1. Remember that bed rest is temporary - focus on the improved health and well-being of your baby.

2. Make sure you understand the physician's definition of bed rest. Are you allowed to get up to go to the bathroom. Is there a certain position that is best for your situation? Can you sleep in the bedroom at night but transfer to a more public room such as the living room during the day so you do not feel isolated?

3. If your physician has told you that the left side-lying position is the best, few people can lie in this position for 24 hours a day. Consult your physician as to possible alternatives. Back lying is almost never the position of choice due to the vena cava syndrome (the weight of the baby, placenta, uterus and contents presses on the vena cava) and the reduction of blood flow and oxygen. Investigate as to whether you can switch from side-to-side every hour or two. Side lying increases blood flow to the heart, thereby increasing the blood and oxygen supply to the baby.

4. Avoid getting out of bed alone, especially alone and in a hurry. After a lot of time in bed, you need to move slowly to avoid dizziness. Sit on the bed and dangling your legs gently up and down for a minute before standing. If you feel dizzy when attempting to stand, sit back down for another minute. This is due to a sudden drop in blood pressure.

5. Bed rest can cause aches and pains. You may be interested in a Massage Therapist who specializes in pregnancy and makes house calls for bed rest mothers. Stationary exercises such and bending and stretching of calves and feet, ankle rotating, rotating of hands and wrists, or neck stretches may help to stretch out the kinks.

6. Remember that it is important to try to keep stress to a minimum. Identify how to consider passing the time: read, develop e-mail buddies, surf the Net or browse some forums or chat rooms, get involved in a hobby, watch television or videos, volunteer time to a charity and help with phones or mailings or newsletters. Encourage visitors if you enjoy the company. Stimulating activities will improve your outlook and pass the time more pleasurably. Be sure to intersperse activity with rest. Select a room for bed rest and set it up to make your life as comfortable as possible. Be sure to have someone assemble the items you will use, including hobby items and grooming items, tissues, the television remote, and a water pitcher. Be sure that you have a telephone within reach. If you will spend long periods of the day by yourself, have your spouse provide a nutritious lunch and snacks that can be stored at bed side (in a cooler if necessary).

7. Consider what household help you will need. Can your husband or partner manage any cooking and cleaning? Are you single? Do you have other children that require supervision? Ask friends and relatives for help. Be specific about your needs (meals, cleaning, company, helping with children). Consider hiring help. If you do not have adequate resources, contact a church or synagogue, La Leche, Moms Club or any community resource available.

8. You will still need to participate in Childbirth Education Classes. Labor of Love® Childbirth Class is the only integrated, 5 hour, 2 tape video series on the market today that provides comprehensive childbirth information for mothers on bedrest. This video demonstrates the techniques used in hospitals today. These techniques include; birth positions, the birth ball and Epidural information. Labor of Love® Childbirth Class is taught by a nationally recognized Internationally Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula and Lactation Educator.

To order your Labor of Love®, visit our online store.

Great Bedrest Resources:

Bedrest Tips for Mothers of Multiples
Some Things To Do For A Mom on Bedrest 
15 Benefits of Taking Pregnancy Lying Down 
Internet Bedrest Support
The Bedrest Survival Guide
March of Dimes Article on Prematurity
Pregnancy Bedrest Book by Amy Tracy
Moms on Bedrest (created by moms who've been there)