When Is Absolute Rest Recommended During Pregnancy? – Being Parents

At any stage of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend that you get complete rest if they think your or your child’s life is in danger. When exactly is complete rest recommended during pregnancy?

We know this issue can be controversial. Although this indication is entirely at the discretion of the obstetrician, diagnoses may shift from absolute rest to relative rest. Thus, the limits of what is or is not possible during this rest also vary.

This is why the approach to this topic presented here can be useful to you. We will tell you, informatively, when absolute rest is recommended during pregnancy. Of course, no suggestion here involves not following your doctor’s recommendations.

When is complete rest recommended during pregnancy?

When an obstetrician recommends complete rest for a pregnant woman, it is part of a study of the conditions of the pregnancy to determine if the pregnancy may be at high risk. A high risk pregnancy is a pregnancy in which there are factors or symptoms that can negatively affect the health of the mother and the baby.

The factors that influence whether a pregnancy is considered unsafe and whether a mother takes special measures, such as rest, are varied.

In some cases, this decision is made in the first weeks of pregnancy. In others, it may occur closer to the final stage. Of course, in extreme cases, rest may be indicated throughout pregnancy.

Although it may sound strange, it is quite common to prescribe absolute rest for a pregnant woman. Statistics show that about 20% of all women who are one year pregnant receive this medical indication. Now let’s review the specific causes that lead to it.

Medical causes that require absolute rest

According to obstetricians, some of the reasons a pregnant woman is urged to take absolute rest are:

• Hypertension or pre-eclampsia.
• Problems with the cervix : either because they started during pregnancy or in women who have had burns or cuts to the cervix as a result of HPV treatment.

• Intense and frequent contractions before the end of pregnancy.
• Hematomas in the gestational sac.
• Lower back pain or sciatica.
• Stress or physical and mental fatigue.

Of course, all of these conditions can trigger pregnancy loss and are considered a threat to abortion. Rest is therefore one of the first measures usually indicated, in addition to other treatments specific to each condition.

Controversies over absolute rest

The controversy surrounding the indication of absolute rest for a pregnant woman has increased as medical studies have progressed. The starting point is that rest is a preventive measure and, in any case, it collaborates in the treatment of the main causes.

However, many specialists consider that it is not possible to prove that this indication can really solve one of the specific complications of pregnancy.

From a psychological point of view, the opinion is quite favorable. This discipline affirms that absolute rest is beneficial for the pregnant woman. Being able to be calm, relaxed and feel that she is collaborating in the well-being of the baby contributes to the recovery of the mother, whatever the pathology.

Practical advice during absolute rest

It is obvious that during the period of absolute rest two things can happen. The first is that the mother can actually be calmer and regain the strength to feel better.

On the other hand, the second possibility is that at some point the opposite happens and the patient feels bored, tired from inactivity and even feels some pain in her back and legs. With these two scenarios in mind, the following practical tips should be considered:

• The pregnant woman’s room must be equipped with the furniture of her choice. It should also be decorated with many books and magazines that she loves.
• It is more than desirable that she receives frequent visits from her family and friends so that she does not feel alone, inactive or isolated.

• Isometric leg exercises or a light massage of the extremities and back can also help.
• Eating well and without going overboard will prevent discomfort and, therefore, promote your sense of well-being and comfort.

Finally, we want to tell you that if you have to resort to absolute rest on the recommendation of your obstetrician, it is good to keep a positive and calm attitude. Take your time and take the opportunity to rest without worrying.