Hello All,

We are ready to start trying again... fingers crossed!

I'm wondering if anyone has any knowledge on
A) Has anyone requested from your doctor to put you on bedrest for your pregnancy due to a previous baby lost ?
B) Are you able to go on prescribed bedrest for your entire pregnancy?
C) Did you obtain short term or long term disability through a portion or all of it?

Bedrest was suggested by a relative and I'm looking into the logistics of it. Too bad I can't just ask my work to lay me off. =p

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Hi 2/3B, I think this would depend on the cause of your previous loss, specifically whether it was related to cervical incompetence. People I know with incompetent cervix typically had a cerclage put in for susbsequent pregnancies but either didn't go on bedrestbat all, were told to take it easy and limit exercise, walking, taking stairs etc but no bed rest, or were put on bedrest only if the cerclage wasn't working properly and they were dilating after 24 weeks and bedrest was seen as the best way forward. But my understanding is that bed rest is controversial because its effectiveness is uncertain and it has severe implications for mothers (loss of muscle tone, depression from being stuck in bed etc). I completely understand wanting to hibernate for a subsequent pregnancy though...

Hi 2/3 B, I agree with AB, it would depend a lot on what caused your prior loss. And you should discuss with a high risk doctor and heed their advice. I am not a doctor but wanted to add my two cents. While bedrest may help in cases of cervical incompetence or placenta previa (I think), it would certainly be detremental for other conditions. I lost my son due to a placental abruption. Afterwards, I spoke to a leading researcher into the cause for placental abruptions. While they don't really know what causes them, his hunch was that good circulation was key to preventing recurrence. And bed rest would be terrible for circulation... So I made sure to stay active with gentle exercise throughout my subsequent pregnancies. And I think in general, staying moderately physically active is healthy during pregnancy.
Maybe instead of requesting bedrest, you could ask for medical leave from work or something like that. Basically be able to relax but not necessarily stay in bed?
I'm sorry for your loss and good luck!

Hello AB and Mira,

Thank you both for your responses. It was very informative and I have a much better understanding of what I am even asking. I think I would like to be on medical leave but not sure if that's feasible. My job isn't physically straining but can be mentally exhausting. And I would like to take it easy... I fear I'm going to stress over every little thing. The causes for my loss is unknown. We did all the tests but have no definitive answers.

*fingers crossed *