Does Bed rest end when you reach term?

Question

I just got to thinking, and if I am on bed rest to keep me from going into pre term labor ,, then at 37 wks when I am considered full term will I be able to be up and start walking and stuff to help labor come? Or do you think I will be on bed rest until I am closer to 40 wks?

Also if anyone else has been on bed rest for a extended amount of time,, did you worry about not having good muscles for labor? Like I am scared that I have lost alot of my stamamina and leg strength, and that I won't be fit enough to have a good labor? I don't want to wear out too easy. Did you do any excersises that helped you?

Thanks

Answer 1

Depends on your reason for bedrest and if you have a cerclage.  If you have a cerclage, they will have you continue to stay in bed for sure.  Just ask your doctor.  All but one woman that I have known who was ever on bedrest remained on bedrest until the birth.  The one woman was on it until 38 weeks and then was able to do limited activity between 38 weeks and the birth.

There are exercises that you can do during bedrest.  Studies have shown this is extremely helpful not only for birth, but for all organs AND to prevent blood clots due to inactivity. The blood clot thing is a big deal given that pregnant women are more likely to have them (I don't know why-probably hormone issue).  Ask your doctor for a referral to an appropriate physical therapist to determine a program for you.

Answer 2

I was on bed rest for 4 weeks before my baby was due.  You are allowed to be up for 2 hours in every 24.  I was tired...but my muscles and everything was fine.  I have to laugh at people that think cool...don't have to do anything...not true.  I went from bed to my recliner...how much fun is that??

Answer 3

I would imagine it depends on why you were put in bed rest in the first place.  If it was because of something like the placenta unattaching, you'd want to stay on bed rest.  If it was because activity was putting you into preterm labor, you *may* be able to get up moving again since it is okay to go into labor now.  However, you've got to talk to your doctor about this before jumping out of bed!  You may still have to wait until 40 weeks anyway, just in case your dates are off (i.e. you think you're 37 weeks, but are actually only 35 due to late ovulation, etc.)

I've never been on bed rest myself, but I'm sure you'll have the strength to get through labor.  At least you'll be rested, right?  :)  Plenty of women have been running around like mad before the arrival and do just fine.  You're probably not in the best of shape, but the muscles you use to push out the baby aren't the same you use to walk around, you know?  I'm sure you've heard of kegel exercises, and those are supposed to be super helpful for labor and delivery.  You can definitely do those while resting and get yourself prepared for pushing.

Good luck!