Activity Restriction and Hospitalization in Pregnancy: Can Bed-Rest Exercise Prevent Deconditioning? A Narrative Review

Montse Palacio and Michelle F. Mottola ()
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Montse Palacio: Senior Consultant, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Hospital Clínic Barcelona (BCNatal Fetal Medicine Research Center), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Michelle F. Mottola: R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation-Exercise and Pregnancy Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Children’s Health Research Institute, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 2, 1-10

Abstract: Evidence suggests that exercise during pregnancy is beneficial to both parent and fetus. However, there are high-risk pregnancy conditions that may warrant hospitalization. In our narrative review, we first describe the clinical implications for activity restriction in pregnancy, the effects of hospitalization, and the impact of bed rest on non-pregnant individuals. We provide examples of a 30 min bed-rest exercise program for hospitalized pregnant patients using the principal of suggested frequency, intensity, time (duration) of activity, and type of activity (FITT) using a resistance tool while in bed. If the individual is able to ambulate, we recommend short walks around the ward. Every minute counts and activity should be incorporated into a program at least 3 times per week, or every day if possible. As in all exercise programs, motivation and accountability are essential. Flexibility in timing of the exercise intervention is important due to the scheduling of medical assessments that may occur throughout the day for these hospitalized patients. Evidence suggests that by improving physical and emotional health through a bed-rest exercise program during a hospitalized pregnancy may help the individual resume demanding daily activity in the postpartum period and improve quality of life once birth has occurred. More research is necessary to improve the health of those individuals who are hospitalized during pregnancy, with follow up and support into the postpartum period.

Keywords: activity restriction; hospitalization; bed-rest exercise; pregnancy; high-risk; intervention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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