What are the advantages of bed rest during pregnancy?

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease)

Bed rest helps your situation by minimizing the need for your blood to provide energy to your body - thus maximizing the blood (and nutrient) delivery to your baby. That's the theory, at least - bed rest may have no benefit, but doctors (like most humans) feel they have to do something for you and this is a pretty benign option.

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YOU: Having a Baby: The Owner's Manual to a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy

Can I get a cavity filled while pregnant? Will avoiding spicy foods make my kid a picky eater? Can I really increase my baby's IQ while she's in utero? Whether you're pregnant for the first time,...

Continue Learning about Fetal Development Basics & Pregnancy

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

A fetus's early immunity comes in the form of T cells and the primitive Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs), ...

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Performed in the third trimester, this test monitors the fetus's heart rate as a sign of his health....

Dr. Michael Roizen, MD

A fetus develops plenty of reflexes, and all of these reflexes depend on the central nervous system....

Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD

Unless you've got a counter, it's hard to keep up. At 20 weeks, the average is about 200 movements a...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Fetal Development Basics & Pregnancy

At 4 weeks, the cells of the fetus are specializing into a nervous system, hair, organs, and skin. At 12 weeks, the fetus is around 2 _ inches in size and makes movement on its own. At 20 weeks, the nervous systems functions, sex can be determined, and you will feel your baby move. At 28 weeks, the fetus weighs over 2 pounds and if born prematurely, would most likely be able to survive. At 32 weeks, the baby weighs 4 pounds and fat layers begin to develop under its skin. At 36 weeks, the lungs are almost fully developed and brain function is developing rapidly. At 37 weeks, a term pregnancy can be made.

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