Preterm Labor

Other Treatment

Until fairly recently, bed rest (expectant management) has been commonly prescribed in an attempt to prevent or stop preterm labor. However, there is no evidence that expectant management effectively stops or prevents preterm labor.¹³ In fact, bed rest increases your risk of other complications. Strict bed rest for 3 days or more increases your risk of developing a blood clot in the legs or lungs (from 1 in 1,000 to 16 in 1,000).¹²

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: January 19, 2007
Medical Review:	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine William Gilbert, MD - Perinatology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.