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After Your Fetal Surgery

Activity

You will be on modified bed rest until 37 weeks gestation. This usually means that you are able to get up for meals, showers, use the bathroom and move from one room to another. Most of the time, you should be lying down on your side. Your doctor will provide you with more specific instructions. Bed rest promotes blood flow to your uterus and baby and decreases pressure placed on you cervix -- both of which help decrease uterine contractions.

Medications

You may be on tocolytics until 37 weeks gestation. The most commonly used tocolytic is Nifedipine. If needed, pain medication will be provided. Bring your prenatal vitamins with you and resume taking them after discharge.

Diet

Since your activity is decreased, you may not feel like eating. We will provide you with a bed rest diet and encourage you to eat six very small meals a day. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day will help with problems of constipation that can result from bed rest.

Exercise

You will receive instructions for bed rest exercises, which will help you keep some muscle tone. The most important exercise is flexing your foot towards your head and then pointing it. Do the bed rest exercises as often as you can. Also remember to change sides at least every two hours when you are lying down.

Managing at Bed Rest

Be sure to have help available, especially if you have children. Make a schedule for yourself. Schedule rooms changes, naps, telephone time, project time and other activities that can provide diversions. Talk to other mothers who have had to stay in bed during their pregnancies.

Follow-up Appointments

You will see a perinatologist once a week after discharge. You will have an ultrasound at least once a week, or more often, if deemed necessary by your doctor. Your baby and uterus will be monitored weekly in the Perinatal Testing Center.

Important Phone Numbers

When to Call the Doctor

• If the incision on your abdomen is red, warm and tender to touch, or has anything draining from it.
• If you have a temperature over 101°F (38.5°C).
• If fluid leaks from your vagina.
• If you have vaginal bleeding.
• If you don't feel the baby move everyday.
• If you have persistent back pain, cramping, abdominal tightening or pelvic pressure.
• If you have chest pain or difficulty breathing.

The Fetal Treatment Center at UCSF Children's Hospital is a world leader in diagnosing and treating birth defects, using advanced therapies including fetal surgery.

• Fetal Treatment Conditions and Treatments
• Patient Profiles

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.