

Lying on your side, rather than your back, and changing sides every hour will maximize blood flow to your uterus, minimize body aches, and help prevent skin irritation. Staying hydrated will help minimize swelling and constipation. You can also keep regular by eating vitamin-rich foods. Eating multiple small meals throughout the day – instead of three large ones – will help reduce your risk of heartburn. Stretch your legs and ankles. This will help to prevent blood clots while keeping your muscles strong.Your doctor may encourage you to perform certain low-impact exercises – such as walking, exercising with light weights to strengthen your upper body, and using resistance bands to strengthen your lower body – so that you remain in shape for delivery, a quick recovery, and are able to care for your newborn child. So, what can you do to follow your doctor’s orders and restrict your activities during pregnancy without experiencing potentially harmful side effects? Here are some tips: It can also exacerbate normal symptoms of pregnancy, such as leg swelling, heartburn, and constipation, and increase your risk of gestational diabetes.

For example, prolonged inactivity can lead to a variety of ailments, including hip and back pain, muscle atrophy, skin irritation, bone loss, blood clots in the legs, and even depression. However, pregnancy bed rest can pose certain risks of its own. If you are pregnant and at risk for complications, you may be asked to reduce certain physical activities at home or at work to protect yourself and your baby. Among these are preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced hypertension or high blood pressure), preterm labor (contracting regularly before week 37 of pregnancy), cervical changes, and carrying multiple babies.ĭoctors who prescribe bed rest do so to reduce pressure on the cervix and strain on the mother’s heart. Bed rest – also known as activity restriction – is sometimes prescribed by obstetricians for pregnant women who are at risk for complications due to certain chronic conditions.
