Feasibility of incorporating a bed-rest exercise program during a twin pregnancy: Case reports

Considering the maternal risk for both shortand long-term disability imposed by activity restriction, it is of great concern that the antepartum symptoms of bed rest are still evident in the postpartum period. The benefits of bed-rest-exercise may alleviate or even prevent physiological distresses or deconditioning associated with activity restriction, thus, eliminating or stabilizing, factors that may augment existing complications. This is the first study to investigate the feasibility of incorporating a bed-rest exercise program in a specific hospitalized twin pregnancy case. The maternal physiological responses of heart rate, blood pressure and uterine contractions to a four week bed-rest resistance program were measured in a woman hospitalized due to complications during her twin pregnancy. A second participant (same diagnoses) was included as a control. The bedrest-exercise reduced the degree of swelling in the lower extremities, promoted more energy during the day and a better night’s sleep. There were no significant differences in uterine contractions pre vs post protocol and all babies were born healthy.