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?

There are some days where I hate the Internet and then there are days that I kiss the earth and thank tech teams the world over for this marvelous invention — and today is one of those days. For Mother’s Day, two men set out to confirm what all women know is true: men don’t understand what a contraction feels like. So, thanks to the help of a very friendly doctor and some high-tech contraction-simulating devices, these guys were able to feel what women in labor experience — from start to finish. Before stepping foot in the doctor’s office, the men say that, “According to women, childbirth is the worst kind of pain there is” and they follow it up by also saying that, “According to women, us men can’t handle anything.”

So… is it true? Is childbirth the worst kind of pain there is — and can men handle it?

The proof, my Internet friends, is, as they say, in the contraction-pudding. Check out the video right here:

How hilarious is this video? While I feel for these guys (and cringe at the thought of one day giving birth!), I couldn’t help myself from rewinding the video time and time again to laugh at their reactions as labor got progressively more intense. The moment the one man says, “STOP SMILING!” I actually spit out my coffee because I just wasn’t expecting their reactions to be so on point! Also give their wives kudos for grabbing ice, water and holding hands for some added support!

Do you think your husband could handle labor?

Plus, more from The Bump:

What Do Contractions Feel Like?

Signs of Labor?

Is Back Pain a Sign of Labor?

Even if you are not a first time mom, the medical process of the typical hospital birth can be overwhelming, creating uncertainty about what is necessary, what you have a choice about, and what is right for you. The birth experience is fast-moving and filled with intense emotions. Mothers normally place their trust and faith in their providers, which can be comforting, but it’s important that every woman go into the birth process knowing the facts around common medical interventions so that she can be her own informed advocate. She should know the risks, the benefits, and the chain of events that can be set into motion as one intervention can lead to another.

Some tips for making sure you receive the care that’s right for you and your baby:

1. Do Your Research

Educate yourself on the risks and benefits of the most common medical interventions during childbirth: labor induction, episiotomy, epidurals and C-section births. You can find a wealth of info in pregnancy guidebooks, on pregnancy-oriented websites and on medically-oriented websites like the Mayo Clinic and Harvard Health Publications. Look for the average rates of each of the procedures, when each if the procures is indicated and why, the risks associated with each of the procures and alternatives to the procedures.

2. Ask Questions

Be sure to ask your doctor his or her average rate for the aforementioned procedures and when he or she believes each of the procedures is indicated. Discuss any questions or concerns you may have about each of the procedures after you have done your research.

A new survey conducted by Childbirth Connection, a nonprofit organization dedicated to evidence-based maternity care, took a close look at the medical procedures implemented in 2400 hospital births in 2011 and 2012. The survey showed that women are often unaware of the risks associated with the most common medical interventions and do not question their healthcare providers when they are told that interventions are indicated. In fact, many of the participants in the survey indicated desiring a different sort of medical care than they received and refraining from questioning their providers for fear of being perceived as difficult. Remember: when it comes your care (and baby’s!) you are never being too difficult.

3. Make a Birth Plan

After you have educated yourself and discussed all options with your doctor, decide what kind of birth experience you want to have. Discuss each point of your birth plan with your healthcare provider to be sure your wishes will be supported. Ask under which circumstances each of the points would not be possible and find out the alternatives to your choices. If you have strong beliefs for wanting to avoid particular procedures or for wanting to be allowed to have skin to skin contact and to breastfeed immediately after birth, it should go in your birth plan.

The lesson here: Be your own advocate. Educate yourself on the risks and benefits of labor induction, episiotomy, epidurals and C-section births. Ask your doctor how often he performs these procedures and under what circumstances. Formulate a birth plan and discuss it with your doctor. Knowledge is power; knowing the facts can help you make informed decisions and reduce your risks during childbirth and help to ensure you have the most fulling and safe birth experience possible.

Was there anything you did before birth that helped you? Share it with us!

Plus, more from The Bump:

10 Things You Have to Do Before You Go Into Labor

Alternative Birth Methods?

10+ Things No One Tells You About C-Section Deliveries

Sadly, I broke up with my OB/Gyn this week. She was like an older sister minus the fighting and stealing my clothes. It was a tough decision, as you can imagine — we had a good run for over a decade. There was no botched medical advice or a front desk mishap. I left for a reason though: we were in a long distance relationship. It was nearly a 45 minute drive to and from her office. I just couldn’t swing that anymore given the increasing frequency of our appointments.

I wasn’t necessarily on board with this idea at first –my husband was actually the one that suggested it. He saw what it took for me to work from home, schlep the trek there, wait in the room, finally get seen and then travel all the way back. It was an ordeal.

So, given my close proximity to the hospital and the fact that my mother-in-law works there, it’s pretty obvious where I should be going, right? Right. I knew that my mother-in-law would gather a few good names, but I wanted to take matters into my own hands and perform some of my own research.

So I had to put a plan into place. How would I find a new doctor?

Step 1: Social Media is Your Friend: I checked tweets, Facebook and local listings to see what former patients had to say about their visits with the doctors. I did what any new mom would do… I asked for help. I used social media as my networking tool. From a few status updates, a tweet, a message board post here on The Bump, a group message on another mommy site and some good ole’ fashioned word-of-mouth activity, I felt like I was equipped with some good leads. I couldn’t imagine just looking on Healthgrades.com or doing some Internet search to randomly pluck out a promising candidate.

Step 2: Do Your Due Diligence: Don’t be afraid to do your own online research and even call the office. You’ll be surprised by what you can glean just from a simple phone call! From there I looked into the 12 leads I was recommended. I read their profiles on the hospital site, checked out the practice’s site, and called each of the offices to get more information. Right off the bat, I eliminated several practice’s based upon that I had to rotate to see all doctors. (I almost forgot to mention that I was only willing to see a female Ob/Gyn, no males allowed. No offense men, but it’s just what I prefer and have more comfort with). So, with this nugget of information, several practices were eliminated right away. I settled on calling four practices. One was not accepting new patients, another was not able to see me for eight weeks, but I was able to see two of the practices for consultations to meet ‘n greet with my new prospective lady doctors within the next two weeks.

Step 3: List Your Important Questions: Your doctor is going to be with you every step of the way, so don’t be wary of asking the important stuff. You’ll be so glad you did. Before my appointments, I wondered what I would talk about with them. What do I ask? Should I feel like I should want to go out for drinks with her? What exactly was I looking for? So I found a handy list of questions that would help me remember what to ask and prioritized all the questions I felt were important to me.

Step 4: Meet ‘n Greet: Self-explanatory. Meet with the doctor and get to know each other, no harm in that. When I met with my two possibilities, They were both cordial, knowledgeable and took the time to speak with me. However, my first meet ‘n greet felt very clinical, while my second was a little more personal. She even took the time to hear my baby’s heartbeat… just because. I was sold! It also helped that she knew my MIL and mentioned, “We will take very good care of you.” Isn’t that what everyone wants to hear?

Step 5: Decision Time! After feeling right at home with the second doctor, I knew my decision had pretty much already been made for me. Sometimes, it’s that easy!

Are you currently looking for a new doctor? Have you had to switch your doctor during your prenatal care? What steps did you take?

Plus, more from The Bump:

What to Ask Your OB

Checklist: Prenatal Tests

Group or solo OB?

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 in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology found that very premature babies have fewer breathing problems when they’re born via vaginal delivery compared to those born via C-section.

The research, which studied more than 20,000 newborns, found that regardless of why a C-section birth was preformed (whether because of pregnancy-related complications or maternal medical problems), vaginally delivery tended to be saver for premature babies. Werner’s team of researchers collected data from birth certificate and hospital discharge records for 20,231 babies born early (between 24 and 34 weeks) in New York between 1995 and 2003. They found that just over two-thirds of the babies were born vaginally.

After the data had been collected, researchers factored in mother’s age, race and underlying medical conditions. From there, they concluded that babies delivered via C-section were more likely to be born in respiratory distress: over 39% of C-section preemies had breathing problems, while just 26% of vaginally delivered preemies exhibited breathing problems. Researchers calculated that between seven and eight preemie deliveries would have to be switched from C-sections to vaginal births to avoid one case of newborn respiratory distress.

Dr. Erika Werner, who led the study at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, said, “My suspicion is that the labor process, the contractions, that natural squeezing probably does something to clear out the lungs so that when babies are born they have a better breathing status,” adding, “If a vaginal delivery is safe, it’s something that should be attempted.”

According to data collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, C-section births accounted for almost 1 in 3 births in 2011, which is up from 1 in 5 births in 1996.  Now, researchers worry that because the rate of C-sections continues on an upward trend for all pregnancies, there are more possible complications for mothers and babies.

Though Werner is the first to recognize that there are certain circumstances where a C-section delivery is required (such as maternal bleeding or the baby’s heart rate drops), she did acknowledge that there hasn’t been much data collected on whether C-section or vaginal delivery is the safer method for other premature babies.

Because Werner and her team looked back on old records, they were not able to control for all the differences between women who had C-sections and vaginal deliveries, which she calls a “huge limitation” of the study. She said, “I was struck by the fact that there does not seem to be an increased risk of some things with C-section. “

Yet, one thing Werner feels the study did shed light on is the need for further research. Citing the limitations of her own work, she said, “I don’t know if you can make a definitive statement that it is higher risk to have a C-section based on this study.”

Are you surprised by this study?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Crotch Care 101

Top 10 Labor and Delivery Fears (and Why You Shouldn’t Worry)

Worst Things to Say to Moms of Preemie Babies

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 was never the type of girl that dreamed of the day that I would be married or have children. Instead I dreamed of the day that I would be recognized for other accomplishments in my career. While I listened to my friends share the names of their future children, I was busy thinking of what countries I would travel to first or what I would say to the President when I first met him.

As time went on and I grew up, I learned an important lesson about life: you can plan all you want but nothing is certain.

As a young twenty-something I got pregnant. The pregnancy I had never planned for myself was here, and with it came severe morning sickness. I was sick all day, every day. I tried everything I could think of or read about to feel better but nothing worked. I was a hermit. What felt like eternity finally ended one month before I had my daughter. It was a brief moment of bliss. I felt like Snow White when the animals and birds are following her singing…

Fast forward 10 years and I was happily expecting my second child. This time around, I really believed that I wouldn’t be as sick because I was willing to whatever I could to stay positive and healthy. But boy, was I mistaken… I was even more sick than with my first child. I was so sick I never traveled too far from a bathroom and I would keep laundry sheets and lavender sachets in my pockets to cover my nose in public places. I could hardly watch any television without feeling — or worse! – getting sick. Fast food commercials made my stomach turn. Needless to say, it was beyond difficult for me and even harder for my daughter and my partner.

Honestly, I hated being pregnant. For some reason, pregnancy has been so glorified in our society and made out to be the best moment of your life. Of course, for so many women, it is. But for the others, like me, it’s the exact opposite. I do know women that have experienced flawless pregnancies — they didn’t gain extreme amounts of weight, they felt energetic and they enjoyed every moment and milestone without ever feeling sick.  To those women: I admire you so (and envy you so!)

I love, love, love my children but I am so truly thankful I won’t be pregnant again. It just wasn’t easy for me. And for other moms who’ve struggled through their pregnancies, I hope you know you’re not alone.

Did you enjoy your pregnancy, or was it hard for you too?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Pregnant and Miserable

Top 10 Things They Should Really Warn You About Before Getting Pregnant

Are Your Symptoms Normal? Get Expert Advice Here