Before modern medicine, doctors knew no other reason for miscarriage than the force of gravity. Absurd as it seems today, they believed that if you kept a woman in a horizontal position, the baby wouldn’t fall out. In reality, though, things are more complicated.
What causes early miscarriage?
About half of all miscarriages in the first trimester are associated with unavoidable chromosomal defects, which are unlikely to occur in future pregnancies [1]. The other 50 percent are mostly caused by infections, hormonal, anatomical, or autoimmune issues; none of which are treatable with bed rest.
If there is a risk of miscarriage, should I stay in bed?
There is no evidence that bed rest helps maintain a pregnancy. Rather, the opposite may be true. A sedentary lifestyle can pose additional risks to the mother and baby because it can lead to the formation of blood clots [2].
If a miscarriage happens after the first trimester, it’s usually associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney and thyroid diseases, high blood pressure, or infections. Also, miscarriage can be caused by an early opening of the cervix. [3]. In all these cases, the solution lies in correcting the underlying issues, and bed rest will not achieve that.
Is preeclampsia a reason to stay in bed?
Bedrest is not necessary if you suffer from preeclampsia [4]. However, if you are hospitalized with preeclampsia, you will require constant monitoring. Doctors will monitor any changes in your health and that of the baby. Physical activity will have to be limited, but even this does not require strict bed rest.
What does it mean to "limit physical activity"?
It usually means you cannot lift objects over 20 lbs, so you must give up strength training and ask for help with heavy groceries. Also, standing on your feet for long periods can be dangerous. In some cases, doctors will advise their patients to abstain from sex and strenuous exercise. Moderate activity, such as walking, is usually considered safe [2].
When does it become necessary to limit activity?
Your doctor may suggest limiting your activity and avoiding sex if:
you’ve had signs of preterm labor
you've had a stopped episode of preterm labor and you experience an increase in the frequency or intensity of contractions after sex
you are leaking amniotic fluid
you’ve been diagnosed with placenta previa or incompetent cervix [2, 5].
These are just a few examples, and medical recommendations vary from case to case. If your doctor instructs you to reduce your activity, ask them to be specific about what you can and cannot do.
