Get Out of Bed: Activity Restriction is Ineffective for Prolonging Pregnancy

Although no randomized, controlled trial (RCT) has ever shown that activity restriction prevents preterm delivery, this intervention continues to be prescribed by many obstetric providers. Such restriction is associated with excess risk for venous thromboembolism, physical deconditioning, and depressive symptoms — and may also have deleterious social and economic effects resulting from missed days of work. Investigators have called attention to the risk-benefit mismatch of this common treatment.

In a secondary analysis of an RCT, 646 asymptomatic, nulliparous women with short cervices (length <30 mm) answered questions about restrictions recommended by their healthcare providers. Nearly 40% reported being advised to curtail work, nonwork, or…