About this topic
Some problems during your pregnancy may require you to be on bedrest. You may need to be on bedrest if you have problems with high blood pressure, vaginal bleeding, premature labor, or cervical changes. Bedrest may be at home or in the hospital. Exercise can help keep you strong. Your joints may feel less stiff and may move more easily. Exercise may also help prevent blood clots. Your doctor may not want you to do any exercise based on why you are on bedrest. ‚
General
Before starting with a program, ask your doctor if you are healthy enough to do these exercises. Your doctor may have you work with a trainer or physical therapist to make a safe exercise program to meet your needs. ‚
Strengthening Exercises ‚
Strengthening exercises keep your muscles firm and strong. Start by doing each of these exercises 3 to 5 times. Slowly, work up to doing each exercise 10 times. Do all exercises slowly. ‚
- Ankle pumps ¢ ˆ ’ Move each foot up and down like you are pressing down and lifting up on a gas pedal.
- Ankle alphabet ¢ ˆ ’ Act like you are writing the alphabet with each foot. Do not move your whole leg to do this, just move your ankle. Do all of the alphabet. Take short rests if you get tired.
- Heel slides ¢ ˆ ’ Lie on your back with both legs straight. Start to bend one leg while sliding your heel on the bed. Once you have gotten your leg to bend as much as you can, slide your foot back down to straighten your leg. Repeat with the other leg.
- Cane exercises:
- Overhead flexion with cane ¢ ˆ ’ Grab the cane with both hands. Start with your arms straight and your hands by your thighs. Keep your arms straight and slowly lift the cane over your head.
- Shoulder rotation with cane ¢ ˆ ’ Raise your arms out to the sides to shoulder height. Bend your elbows so your fingers are pointing to the top of the bed. Grab the cane with both hands. Move your lower arms and the cane forward and down until your fingers are pointing to the foot of the bed. The cane will be resting on your belly.
- Chest press with cane ¢ ˆ ’ Grab a cane in the middle with both hands. Bend your elbows and hold the cane so the middle of it is just below your chin. Now, press straight up until your elbows are straight.
What will the results be?
- Less pain and stiffness
- Better range of motion
- More strength
- Better able to walk once off bedrest
- Less muscle wasting
When do I need to call the doctor?
Stop exercising right away and call your doctor if you have any of these problems: ‚
- Fluid is leaking
- Bleeding
- Cramping
- Contractions
- Headache
- Increased blood pressure
- Shortness of breath
Helpful tips
- If you are in a hospital, one way to keep your arm strength up is by using light elastic bands for exercising. You can tie a piece to each bed rail. Pull with your arms bent or straight and you will work many different muscles. Be sure to ask your doctor if this is safe for you.
- Be sure you do not hold your breath when exercising. This can raise your blood pressure. If you tend to hold your breath, try counting out loud when exercising. If any exercise bothers you, stop right away.
- Doing exercises before each meal may be a good way to get into a routine.
- Exercise may be slightly uncomfortable, but you should not have sharp pains. If you do get sharp pains, stop what you are doing. If the sharp pains continue, call your doctor.
Where can I learn more?
American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancycomplications/bedrest.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚