What are the changes of being on extended bedrest during pregnancy?

[cwladis]

My husband and I want to begin a family soon, but my job only provides a limited amount of paid sick/disability leave; several of our friends who have recently been pregnant were required to be on bed rest for a long period of time (several months or more), and before I become pregnant, I want to know what the statistical odds are that I might be confined to bed rest for an extended period of time during the pregnancy.  

What is the probability of a pregnant woman being prescribed extended (more than say, a few weeks or a month) bedrest during her pregnancy?  And is there a maximum amount of time that a woman might be on bed rest (i.e. what is the earliest point in the pregnancy that bedrest might be prescribed)?

[Riot_Queen]

I've only heard of women being put on bed rest if they're prone to preterm labor, or if they're at risk of miscarriage.

I'm approaching 4months here pretty soon, and I haven't been put on anything like that.
One of my good friends are due next month, and she's not been put on it.
Another one of my good friends is only a couple weeks ahead of me and she has't been put on bed rest.
My mother had 5 kids and she wasn't either.

I've know alot of gals that had babies and I've never met anyone that's been put on bed rest.

But just incase you might wanna save up a lil before you go ahead.

[cindybee23]

I've read that a small percentage of women are put on best rest, it depends on a number of factors including health and genetics.  When I went in for an ultrasound at Week 20 the radiologist noticed my cervix was short.  This resulted in a 10 day bed rest at home.  After going in for a follow-up appointment they discovered that my cervix had shortened and I went in for surgery to have a cerclage put in place where they stitch up the cervix closed.  Another follow-up appointment later I started having mild contractions, so now at Week 22 I'm on bed rest at the hospital and will be here until Week 30 (possibly longer depending on how things go).

[LosingMyMindInGA]

they have to give you the leave but they don't HAVE to pay you for it...I think her problem is the money situation.  Also, certain companies don't fall under FMLA and are not required to adhere to the stipulations set forth within.

[martikadragoon]

What state do you live in? Jobs HAVE to give you that leave if it's required, and your job is protected when you come back. I found that out since I work in Cali, and my place only offers so many breaks a day. I was having to take xtras for morning sickness.

They're getting excused. And I have 12weeks of FMLA or preggo leave when I have this kid. But there's a woman I work with who had 5mo of it. She still works there.(they're VERY strict on attendance.)

Cindie

[cwladis]

Thanks for your feedback, everyone.  I really appreciate each of you taking the time to share your experiences with me!

[LosingMyMindInGA]

I don't think there are statistics on this kind of thing.  Your best bet is to prepare ahead of time...make sure you have money saved up and/or figure out unneccessary bills/costs you can cut out if necessary.  That way you'll have a plan of action just in case something were to come up after you get pregnant.  

[loismwallace]

I was put on bed rest at 26 weeks with my last baby due to pre-term labor. I was on it for the remainder of my pregnancy. I did carry him to full term. So far I've carried this baby to 30 weeks with no complications. Trust me, bed rest is NOT what it's cracked up to be. It is boring as H-E-L-L........I don't know the odds, but as long as you have a healthy pregnancy you probably won't be put on bed rest.

[alaysha]

Bed rest and be prescribed at anytime during a pregnancy and can last anywhere from a day to months. Most of the time they have you do bed rest when you are considered high risk or if they think that not taking it easy may cause you to go into labor or harm the baby in anyway. Most people aren't put on bed rest during their pregnancies. In fact most people work all the way to their due dates. I was considered high risk due to heavy bleeding in the beginning of my pregnancy that lasted for 5 week however I was only put on bed rest for 3 days.