1. Why bedrest?
2. Recently I've heard that terbutaline might cause autism or birth defects. Is this true?
3. How can I find out more about high-risk pregnancy? My baby books provide only one or two sentences about pregnancy complications!
4. I'm not sure my doctor is doing everything possible. What should I do?
5. My pregnancy has reached 30 weeks. Can I just deliver now and let the intensive care unit care for my baby?
6. What's the difference between preterm labor and Braxton Hicks contractions?
7. What kind of medications might be prescribed and what are the side effects?
8. What can I expect from being on extended bedrest?
9. What things can I do while I am on bedrest?
10. Will being on bedrest make it harder for me to recover after the baby comes?
11. What can I expect from Sidelines? What kind of support do you offer?
12. My good friend is on bedrest. What can I do to help?
13. Why is it called Sidelines, anyway?
1. Why bedrest?
Doctors prescribe some degree of bedrest (sometimes an hour a day to complete bedrest with no bathroom privileges) when complications in pregnancy take place, usually involving preterm labor contractions.
Bedrest reduces normal daily activity and is believed to keep the uterus from contracting. It also relieves pressure on the cervix. Some common reasons bedrest is prescribed: multiple gestation, placenta previa, preterm labor, cervical incompetence, and interuterine growth retardation (IUGR).
2. Recently I've heard that terbutaline might cause autism or birth defects. Is this true?
There was a small study done on rodents in 2004 trying to link terbutaline to brain defects, but there was no conclusion or connection to human autism. Research has shown that many genetic and environmental factors can precipitate autism, but there is not general agreement on its causes. For more information, contact the National Autism Association, http:// www.nationalautismassociation.org.
Terbutaline is one of many drugs used to stop preterm labor leading to preterm birth, and has been used for many years "off-label" like a half dozen or so other drugs used during pregnancy. No company currently offers a drug that is FDA approved to stop preterm labor, and many suspect that this is due to the fear of product liability in this vulnerable area of medicine. Terbutaline has been been one of the most studied drugs used in pregnancy due its wide usage. Physicians continue to support its use, as it has shown benefit with minimal side effects. The benefits of these drugs outweigh their risks - especially when they prevent the consequences of a very preterm delivery.
As with all questions of this nature, your health care provider is your best source for information.
3. How can I find out more about high-risk pregnancy? My pregnancy books provide only one or two sentences about pregnancy complications! The best place to get the most accurate information about high-risk pregnancy is directly from your physician or caregiver. She knows your medical history, your body, and can give you straight answers. Your doctor can also provide you with other resources such as pamphlets and books about your condition. Sidelines also recommends several excellent books on pregnancy complications that can be found on the Amazon bookstore link. Books can be delivered to your door in 2-3 days. We also have spent years collecting and refining our Sidelines in-stock book selections and our all new Left Sidelines Magazine that are loaded with helpful hints, articles, and resources all related to high-risk pregnancy.
4. I'm not sure my doctor is doing everything possible. What should I do?
Be open and honest about your concerns with your caregiver. Give them the opportunity to explain their plan of care. Seek out a second opinion if you have any unanswered questions or discomfort with the reasons/plan described. You are your baby's best advocate! If you feel that your care is substandard don't hesitate to call your case manager or insurance company. Most insurance companies readily comply with second opinion requests. And if your doctor is doing everything possible, she should not hestitate to support you in your decision.
5. My pregnancy has reached 30 weeks. Can I just deliver now and let the intensive care unit care for my baby?
Nature has provided all the perfect conditions to grow your unborn baby in your uterus. Nutrition, temperature, and blood flow are all perfectly regulated in this amazing place! The neonatal intensive care unit has the skill and ability to care for your baby, but they also administer medications, hook up oxygen, and run blood tests on your tiny newborn. Depending on your diagnosis and the gestation of your pregnancy, you and your doctor will decide when is the best time to deliver your baby. But more often than not, the best place for baby is inside mom for as long as possible.
6. What's the difference between preterm labor and Braxton Hicks contractions?
Braxton Hicks contractions occur in most normal pregnancies, and are felt as painless and infrequent tightening of the uterus. These contractions usually don't occur more than once per hour and do not make any changes to the cervix. Preterm labor is most often felt as a vague, painless tightening of the abdomen, and may or may not be accompanied by one or more signs and symptoms of preterm labor. Preterm labor contractions usually occur in a regular pattern and may cause changes to occur in the cervix. Read more about self-palpation on our articles page.
7. What kind of medications might be prescribed and what are the side effects?
Your physician may prescribe one or several different medications for your particular pregnancy complication. Medications that are used to stop uterine contractions are called tocolytics. Terbutaline (or brethine), ritodrine, nifedipine and magnesium sulfate are all tocolytic drugs. Side effects can range from dizziness, insomnia, headache, and rapid heart rate. It is important to talk with your doctor about possible side effects and to understand why you are taking these drugs. Make sure to report all side effects to your doctor.
8. What can I expect from being on extended bedrest?
Muscle pain and weakness, fatigue, backache, joint pain, dizziness, and insomnia are all side effects of bedrest that can effect your body. Physical therapy is helpful to maintain some muscle strength and activity. Treatments may help improve circulation, body positioning, joint flexibility, and muscle strength. Therapists may also offer instructions on how to position yourself in bed, as well as how to use pillows, supports, and other devices for comfort. They may also help design a safe and individualized exercise plan. Ask your doctor for a referral as soon as you feel any of the symptoms listed above. Massage from a trained massage therapist can also be beneficial, and often helps decrease muscle pain, spasms, and inflammation. (Be sure to clear with your doctor, and find a professional who is trained to work with pregnant women.)
9. What things can I do while I am on bedrest?
You must discuss with your doctor, in detail, what activities she will allow you to do. Sidelines has a bedrest checklist that is designed to help you know what questions to ask. These questions can help make communication clearer for you, your family, and your doctor. It helps to be clear on what activities are and are not allowed! Use the checklist or a journal to write down questions and take notes. This requires Adobe Acrobat Reader. To download the free reader click here
10. Will being on bedrest make it harder for me to recover after the baby comes?
Yes, but it depends on how long you have been on bedrest and how inactive you have been. You may feel anxious to be up and active again, but your body will need time to heal and rebuild muscle strength. You might feel weak and notice changes in your strength and energy once you get out of bed. Recovering from both having a baby and bedrest is more complicated. Physical recovery will be slow but physical therapy or a mild exercise plan can help to get you back on your feet.
11. What can I expect from Sidelines? What kind of support do you offer?
We realize that pregnancy complications effect more than just your back and joints. You may experience depression, anxiety, hostility, loneliness/isolation, boredom, and guilt! We know all about that and genuinely care about what you are going through. Our desire for you is to have the best possible outcome with your pregnancy, to be well informed about pregnancy complications, and to feel supported and encouraged in your time of need. Our trained volunteers know first hand what it means to be sidelined, and want to "give something back" to other high-risk moms. We provide email and phone support to any mom that requests it and have supported over 75,000 families since 1991.
12. My good friend is on bedrest. What can I do to help?
Moms that are sidelined can feel isolated and alone. It's hard to be horizontal, especially if you feel good in every other aspect! As her friend, visit her often (short visits are best) and remind her of what a great thing she is doing. If you can't visit, call or send cards on a regular basis. Think of creative ways to let her know you care. Order her a Left Side Lines Magazine and we will include a special card to let her know it's from you. Precooked meals, babysitting, folding a load of laundry, and fluffing up pillows are just some of the ways to show you care. That's what friends are for!
13. Why is it called Sidelines, anyway?
Anyone who has played sports knows how disappointing and frustrating it can be to be pulled out of the game and "sidelined". It's even harder when you aren't injured or don't feel sick! Pregnant women confined to bed or restricted in their activity often say they feel "stuck on the sidelines". The left side is also the recommended position for bedrest, aiding in circulation and making it easier on your heart. Just remember: when you find yourself on the sidelines, we're here to help. You can read about our Founder, Candace Hurley, and her amazing story in a recent L.A. Times article.
