Bed rest

Bed rest is not advised to prevent PTB. A Cochrane database meta­analysis concluded that the practice of prescribing antepartum bed rest to prevent PTB should be discontinued until evidence is produced that it is definitely effective. Strict bed rest in pregnancy include adverse side effects such as muscle atrophy, bone loss, ma­ternal weight loss, increased rates of thromboembolism, psycho­social problems including depression, anxiety, and financial burden. However, there is evidence to show that prolonged standing of longer than 3 hours/day, long work hours, and shift work all increase the risk of PTB (OR 1.16-1.29) (74).