The most frequent prescription in Obstetrics: Bed Rest!

Abstract

The most frequent prescription across all medical disciplines and specially in Obstetrics has been bed rest. Even in this age of evidence based medicine, bed rest remains as the most prescribed, although evidence does not support it. The usage is strong because there are no substantial randomised trials to either refute or support bed rest, beginning with lack of definition. In this article we are reviewing bed rest in early miscarriage, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, preterm, reduced AFI, impaired fetal growth and in pregnancy after artificial reproduction techniques. We found that while women with moderate risk to preeclampsia, low AFI or multiple gestation may demonstrate some beneficial effects, it largely remains a tool for enforcing psychological benefit. It also entails adverse effects like muscle atrophy, stress and economic loss. However till more evidence can be made available, it will retain its numero uno position.