A Comparison of Bed Rest Versus Moderate Activity in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)

Historically, bed rest has been considered a beneficial treatment option for patients with
high risk pregnancies. The definition of bed rest varies between providers, and can mean
anything from being completely bed-bound for months at a time (sometimes called strict bed
rest) to walking around within the home a few times a day (sometimes called modified bed
rest). Recent studies have highlighted potential harmful effects from bed rest. However,
scientific studies need to be carried out to compare the effects of bed rest and moderate
activity on the health of mothers and babies.

PPROM is defined as rupture of membranes prior to 37 weeks gestation prior to the onset of
labor, and affects approximately 3% of all pregnancies in the Unites States. Women with
PPROM are routinely managed in the inpatient setting from the time of diagnosis until
delivery. Therefore, PPROM patients are a closely supervised and easily accessible cohort of
women.

In this study, participating patients with PPROM will be randomized into two groups: bedrest
or moderate activity. Maternal mood and muscle strength will be assessed at enrollment and
after delivery to determine whether there are significant differences in these outcomes in
the two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Pregnant

- Gestational age between 23 weeks 0 days - 32 weeks 0 days

- Diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of membranes

Exclusion Criteria:

- Cervical dilation greater than or equal to 3cm

- Active labor

- Evidence of infection

- Inability to provide informed consent

- Requirement for continuous fetal monitoring