Tag: Society of Maternal and Fetal Medicine

Why are doctors still prescribing bed rest in pregnancy?

By Kenny Lin, MD, MPH

Maternity care providers have traditionally prescribed “bed rest,” or activity restriction, for a host of pregnancy complications (including preterm contractions, short cervix, multiple gestation, and preeclampsia) despite evidence that it does not improve maternal or neonatal outcomes. On the other hand, prolonged activity restriction in pregnancy increases risk for muscle atrophy, bone loss, thromboembolic events, and gestational diabetes. Continue reading “Why are doctors still prescribing bed rest in pregnancy?”