Hilary Beard's Blog

The Los Angeles Times has run an interesting article on the pros and cons of bed rest prescribed during pregnancy to prevent preterm labor.

"Each year in the United States, bed rest is prescribed for hundreds of thousands of pregnant women considered to be at increased risk for preterm delivery. The use of bed rest is based on two important assumptions: that it is effective in prolonging pregnancy and that it is harmless. Both assumptions are largely unsubstantiated."

Among the downsides? Bed rest may take a physical, mental and emotional toll on many women. Cons listed range from financial distress to the inability to take care of family responsibilties to atrophying muscle and bone.