New research on bed rest during pregnancy reveals that taking the doctor’s orders may not be as helpful as previously recommended. According to the latest study, some specialists feel that the age-old treatment doesn’t, in fact, seem to prevent the risk for premature birth — it might actually worsen the risk.

In a study of 646 women, Dr. Catherine Spong and a team of researchers took a closer look at a study of treatments for women at risk of premature birth due to a complication called “short cervix.” During the study of the treatments, doctors were free to decide if the participants also should restrict their activities, which would essentially offer them a real-world test of the effects. The ‘prescriptions’ were: no sexual activity, partial or complete work restrictions and restrictions on non-work activity: all of which are considered bed rest. They found that nearly 40 percent of the women enrolled in the study were prescribed one of these prescriptions — though most were instructed to restrict all types of activity — during their second or third trimester.

Researchers noted that 37 percent of the women who took the precautions had a premature baby, compared to the 17 percent of the women who didn’t scale back their activities. Spong said, “The data suggests that bed rest does not prevent preterm birth in this high-risk population, but it doesn’t definitively answer that question.” What the study does do, however, is continue to raise questions about the harm bed rest can do to women (and to baby). Though there isn’t a direct correlation between the women who went on bed rest and the women who gave birth to a premature baby, it is totally possible that the 37 percent of women may very well have been at a higher risk for a preemie due to age and more serious cervical complications. Spong said, “Patients want you to do something, and physicians want to do something.”

To showcase just how important the most recent link is, researchers also pointed out other studies that link bed rest to increased stress and anxiety, both of which are associated with smaller birth weight babies and premature deliveries. Not to mention, bed rest is known to increase a mother’s risk of a dangerous blood clot, as well as side effects including bone and muscle loss.

When researchers took into account outside factors, they found that those women who rested were more likely to have private insurance — which also shed light on whether risks linked bed rest were more of a social rather than medical issue. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says bed rest shouldn’t be “routinely recommended” for prevention of preterm birth.

Spong and her colleagues now express the need for further research to examine the link that exists between preemies and bed rest. Though it’s not likely to happen in every expectant woman, Spong and doctors recommend speaking with your own doctor about the risks associated with bed rest in your second or third trimester.

Were you placed on bed rest? Did you deliver early?

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Avoid Preterm Labor

Ways to Make Labor Easier

What Are the Stages of Labor?

It actually hurts my heart to say that tonight The Office will air for the final time. After nine seasons, the cameras on Dunder Mifflin will shut off and the series so many have loved (including me!) will retire to the rerun hall of fame forevermore. But instead of dwelling on the sad, there have been so MANY lovable moments over the course of the series to make us smile — especially the hilarious, off-the-cuff parenting and pregnancy, Jim and Pam, Michael and Dwight moments from the entire cast.

From Michael’s outrageous baby shower planning to the adorable arrival of baby Halpert, here are nine of our favorite moments. May they live on forever!

1. Baby Astrid

2. Why Stanley Doesn’t Like Pregnant Women

3. Pam’s Water Breaking

4. Dwight Plays ‘Shrute or Consequences’

5. Dwight’s Watermelon Water Breaks

6. Pam and Angela Are Pregnant!

7. Dunder Mifflin Reacts to Pam’s Pregnancy

8. Dwight Dishes on Pam’s Pregnancy

9. Baby Halpert — Every Step of the Way!

What was your favorite moment from The Office?

Plus, more from The Bump:

20 Moments That Make You Realize You’re a Mom

“Holy Crap! I’m a Mom!”

Reactions to Positive Pregnancy Tests

As The Bump editorial team’s resident pregnant woman (I’m 20 weeks as of yesterday — halfway there!), I get the pretty awesome job of being a guinea pig for the latest products. After all, someone’s got to see what works and what doesn’t, right? So of course, I wanted to pass along a few of my favorites so far.

What are your favorite pregnancy products?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Top 6 Pregnancy Skin Issues (and How to Deal)

Is Your Beauty Routine Safe for Pregnancy?

Sneaky (and Cheap!) Ways to Stretch Your Maternity Wardrobe

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that a link exists between the flu in pregnancy and the instance of Bipolar disorder found in infants.

Researchers at the Columbia University Medical Center studied 814 moms-to-be, and shows that infection made bipolar disorder four times more likely for baby. Though the overall risk for bipolar disorder remained low, the conclusions are concerning for researchers because it echoes previous findings that have also linked flu in mom and schizophrenia in baby.

Researchers looked at people born in the early 1960s and found that bipolar disorder was nearly four times as common in people whose mothers caught flu during their pregnancies. Lead researchers Professor Alan Brown, estimated that influenza infection during pregnancy could lead to a 3-4% chance of bipolar disorder in the resulting children.

The study sheds light on the need for further research on the flu and the instance of bipolar disorder in babies. Researchers have also found a link between the flu in mom and the instance of schizophrenia found in baby — now, it seems, more studies are needed to confirm that the links exist and to attempt to discover why they do.

But how can moms-to-be protect themselves from the seasonal flu?

Though Brown says that he doesn’t think the findings of the study “should raise alarms for mothers” just yet, he did say that the seasonal flu vaccination, which is advised for many expectant women across many countries, would help reduce the risk of catching the flu.

Dr. Fiona Gaughran, the lead consultant psychiatrist at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, who was not affiliated with the study at all said, “If future work confirms the link reported here, policymakers may need to consider implications for flu prevention pre-pregnancy.”

Did you get a flu shot during your pregnancy? Why or why not?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Are Viruses Like the Flu Not Safe for Baby During Pregnancy?

How Can I Avoid Getting the Flu While Pregnant?

Is It Safe to Get a Flu Shot While Pregnant?

A new study published today in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women with unplanned pregnancies are four times more like to suffer from postpartum depression after 12 months postpartum.

The study, which was done at the University of North Carolina’s prenatal clinics, questioned roughly 1,000 women about their pregnancy intention at 15-19 weeks gestational age. From there, women were classified as having an intended, mistime or unwanted pregnancy.: 433 women (or 64%) said that had an intended (planned) pregnancy, 207 (or 30%) said they were having a mistimed pregnancy (also classified as an unwanted pregnancy) and 40 women (6%) admitted they were having an unplanned pregnancy. In total, researchers analyzed data for 688 women at three months postpartum and 550 women at 12 months postpartum.

Results from the study show that postpartum depression was more likely in women with unintended pregnancies at both three months and twelve months: at three months, women were 11% more likely to have PPD and at 12 months, they were 12% more likely. The heightened risk at 12 months postpartum shows that this grouping of women have a longer-term risk of depression. When researchers factored in age, education level and poverty status, women with unintended (unplanned) pregnancies were still twice as likely to suffer from postpartum depression.

Dr. Rebecca Mercier from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina and co-author of the research said, “While many elements may contribute to postpartum depression, the results of this study show that unintended pregnancy resulting in live birth could also be a contributing factor.”

Mercier and her team of researchers also concluded that unintended pregnancy may have a long term effect on maternal well being, prompting clinicans to consider pregnancy intention visits and to offer appropriate support both during and following pregnancy for new moms. Mercier went on to say, “Simple, low-cost screening interventions to identify women at risk could allow targeted intervention when appropriate and could potentially prevent complications from future unintended pregnancies.”

Did you have an unplanned pregnancy? How did it affect you?

Plus, more from The Bump:

How to Spot the Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression

Am I at Risk for Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum Depression: Resources You Need

I went to the doctor yesterday after a week of unexplained dizziness. “Oh, are you pregnant?” asked everyone I mentioned it to — because that’s the go-to diagnosis for women of childbearing age who complain of anything from a hangnail to a headache. Just try telling someone you feel tired, hungry, or nauseous and see what they say. Personally, I was afraid I had a brain tumor. The doctor’s diagnosis? Dehydration and anemia.

I was surprised, but I shouldn’t be. I am a vegetarian, so the anemia — or low iron — makes sense. I think that’s why when I was pregnant I had crazy cravings for spinach dip. I do take a multivitamin, one of the kid’s Flintstones chewables, when I remember. Even the dehydration makes sense. I get through my days fueled on coffee until the kids go to bed, and then I have a glass of wine. Sound familiar?

All the talk about pregnancy got me thinking: I totally didn’t capitalize on my symptoms when I was expecting. There are a lot of perks to being pregnant, which I didn’t fully appreciate at the time. For instance:

Indulging your cravings. So spinach dip isn’t that decadent. And you don’t want to go hog wild with the doughnuts. But you’re eating for two and you should enjoy it. Go ahead and have that ice cream. (Calcium!) Pour yourself another bowl of cereal. (Cap’n Crunch is iron-fortified!) Order those deep-fried tater tots with a side of ranch dressing. (Umm… there’s lots of potassium in potatoes?)

Catching up on sleep. Growing another person takes LOTS of energy. Sleeping in and taking naps are practically medically sanctioned. With years of sleep deprivation looming, get all the rest you can while the baby’s still in there and can’t whine for a fourth bedtime story and a glass of water.

Buying new clothes. OK, this one has nothing to do with health, but when I was getting dressed for my doctor’s appointment, I realized the sorry state of my closet. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said to myself in Old Navy, “I don’t really NEED a cute sundress. And the kids really DO need new bathing suits…” But when you’re pregnant and expanding by the day? That, ladies, is a foolproof excuse for going shopping.

So, while it may be too late for me, please learn from my mistakes. If you’re expecting, take full advantage of the perks while you have the chance. And tell me how those tater tots taste.

Which pregnancy symptoms did you enjoy?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Make Over Your Beauty Routine for Pregnancy

Ease Pregnancy Aches and Pains

Pregnancy Symptoms No One Warned You About

Meet our newest maternity fashionista, Jacqueline Weppner! Hailing from our very own NYC, Jackie is the founder and creative director of Merci New York — a chic, boutique styling house offering fashion, event and prop styling for weddings, special events and editorial projects, “providing chic style for the busy city bride.”

As a first-time mama-to-be, Jackie is finding new ways to stretch her pregnancy wardrobe without spending a fortune! Currently, she’s lovin’ maxi dresses (a maternity must-have!), especially this floral maxi mini from Rosie Pope’s maternity collection. She says it’s “colorful and comfy and I can’t wait to wear it on our babymoon next month!” Jackie says her favorite part of dressing her bump so far has been finding new ways to wear old things (and we couldn’t agree more!). She says, “Dresses have become tunics and scarves (around the neck, belted, layered atop a jacket) are a fun little no-guilt by whenever I go shopping!”

Each week, tune in for Jackie’s tips, tricks and demonstrations on how to make your maternity wardrobe work for you (especially with the summer heat comin’ on strong!). Want to see Jackie’s tips for stretching your maternity wardrobe? Check ‘em out:

Did you reuse older pieces of your wardrobe during your pregnancy?

Plus, more from The Bump:

5 Ways to Disguise Your Bump in Early Pregnancy

What to Wear in Early Pregnancy?

10 Stylish Maternity Wrap Dresses

With the seemingly endless parade of pregnant and new-mom celebrities in the public eye, we are bombarded with images of growing baby bumps, speculation (and judgement) about pregnancy weight gain and inevitable tales of how quickly (or not-so-quickly) stars shed their weight after baby comes. And we love it! You won’t catch me criticizing our fascination with pregnant celebrities. I recognize that we somehow identify with stars on a more human level as they pass through the rites of passage in motherhood. It makes me wonder, though, if most moms-to-be know the facts about their baby weight? Do you know how much is considered normal and healthy weight gain during pregnancy? Or where that weight comes from?

Normal weight gain during pregnancy is 25 to 35 pounds if you were at a healthy weight before becoming pregnant. For those who were underweight before pregnancy, the healthy range is higher than average at 28-40 pounds. If you were overweight before becoming pregnant, you can stand to gain a little less since your body already has the fat stores it needs for breastfeeding, bringing the healthy range down to 15-25 pounds. Women who are considered obese prior to pregnancy should gain no more than 20 pounds for the healthiest pregnancy experience, decreasing the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure. If you want to see where you fall in the average body weight spectrum, calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).

If you wonder why you need to gain at least 15 pounds to grow a healthy baby, consider the distribution of your baby weight:

Baby: 7-8 pounds
Placenta: 1.5-2 pounds
Uterus: 2 pounds
Amniotic Fluid: 1.5- 2 pounds
Extra Maternal Blood: 3-4 pounds
Additional Breast Tissue: 1.5-2 pounds

These are just the essentials, weighing in at over 16 pounds and don’t include the average 4 pounds of retained fluids and recommended 7 pounds of fat stores needed for the demands of breastfeeding.

Most women gain less than 5 pounds during the first trimester, then around a pound a week for the duration of the pregnancy. Some weeks you may gain more, some less — which is normal as baby experiences growth spurts at different points. For those conscientious about pregnancy weight gain, be sure not to limit caloric intake to a degree that can jeopardize your baby’s health. And for those who think that pregnancy is your license to eat for two and succumb to your cravings, weighing in once a week to keep yourself in the healthy range of weight gain can help keep you and baby healthy throughout pregnancy and make losing the baby weight postpartum not so daunting a task.

How did you maintain your baby weight?

Plus, more from The Bump:

7 Healthy Meal Ideas for Pregnancy

Eating Junk Food While Pregnant Affects Baby More Than We Ever Realized

20 Ways to Eat Better