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News
Doctors are still telling nearly half of pregnant patients in the US to rest up or limit activity — even though major medical societies have long advised against it. A new study found that 1 in 3 low-risk pregnancies received bed rest or activity restriction recommendations, with no proven benefit for outcomes like preterm birth prevention. Experts warn these restrictions can actually cause harm, including blood clots, bone loss, and psychological distress.
Despite over a decade of professional guidance advising against routine bed rest in pregnancy, a new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology finds the practice is alive and well in US prenatal care. Researchers surveyed 1,500 pregnant or recently pregnant individuals across 49 states and found that nearly half received some form of bed rest or activity restriction (BAR) recommendation — including more than 1 in 3 low-risk pregnancies.
The findings are especially striking because BAR has no demonstrated benefit for preventing preterm birth or improving pregnancy outcomes, yet it carries real risks. Researchers note that these restrictions can lead to blood clots, bone loss, physical deconditioning, and significant psychological harm for patients and their families.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: BAR recommendations persist despite clear evidence of harm and no proven benefit — pointing to a significant gap between clinical guidelines and real-world practice that could be putting pregnant patients at unnecessary risk.
