How effective is bedrest?

[expert on call]

Dear Preeclampsia Foundation Expert,

This question came in to us today:

Yesterday, my OB placed me on strict bedrest. She did not however, diagnose me with preeclampsia, just as a high risk for the disease. My BP was 118/80. Her major concern was that it had jumped about 20 points from my last appointment at which it was 110/60. My mother had preeclampsia with both me and my sister. Do you think she jumped the gun too quickly or that her decision to place me on bedrest was completely called for and necessary? Any advise on diet and surviving bedrest would also be greatly appreciated. I am 23 weeks 5 days pregnant with my first child, a girl, Audrey Vera.

Apart from the specifics of this case, what are your opinions on the merits of bedrest? Does prolonged bedrest help prevent or otherwise mitigate the causes and/or effects of preeclampsia? Under what conditions would you find it helpful?

Thank you for your continued support and help, our members really appreciate this (and so do we!)

Laura Muller
Forum Administrator

[expert on call]

Expert Response #1:

There is no evidence that bedrest is helpful and plenty that it leads to morbidity

Information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disorder, or prescribing any medication. The Preeclampsia Foundation presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained on the site. Professional opinions on this condition vary greatly. The Preeclampsia Foundation endorses no one course of treatment or "cure". Responses generated by our Experts to specific questions are based on information anonymously submitted to this site via email, are not based on a complete review of any patient’s medical records and should not be construed as the only reasonable expert response to the info submitted and/or the scenario described.

[expert on call]

Expert Response #2:

Randomized studies to date have failed to demonstrate any effects of strict bed rest, and this to some can be very stressful especially if started at 23 weeks., Hopefully the two measurements were made after similar scenarios, such as quite sitting for at least 4-5 minutes, the cuff held at the same level in relation to the heart, and the measurement repeated, before the sentence of strict bed rest was pronounced.. Also the rise recorded here, to values still normal (60-80 mm Hg diastolic) is not considered "hypertension" any more, but many of us see it as a sign to check the patient more frequently and advise avoiding stressful work or situations.

Information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disorder, or prescribing any medication. The Preeclampsia Foundation presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained on the site. Professional opinions on this condition vary greatly. The Preeclampsia Foundation endorses no one course of treatment or "cure". Responses generated by our Experts to specific questions are based on information anonymously submitted to this site via email, are not based on a complete review of any patient’s medical records and should not be construed as the only reasonable expert response to the info submitted and/or the scenario described.