Abstract
Objective Despite lack of evidence to support efficacy, activity restriction is one of the
most commonly prescribed interventions used for the prevention of preterm birth. We
have a departmental policy against the use of activity restriction but many practitioners
still prescribe it in an effort to prevent preterm birth. We sought to evaluate the
rate and compliance of women who are prescribed activity restriction during pregnancy
to prevent preterm birth.
Study Design This was a single-site retrospective questionnaire study at a tertiary care, academic
affiliated medical center. Women with a history of preterm delivery or short cervix
were included. Once patients were identified, each patient was contacted and administered
a questionnaire. We assessed the rates of activity restriction prescription and compliance.
Secondary outcomes included details regarding activity restriction and treatment in
pregnancy. Continuous variables were compared with t-test and categorical variables with Chi-square test. The value p < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results Among the 52 women who responded to the questionnaire, 18 reported being placed on
activity restriction by a physician, with 1 self-prescribing activity restriction,
giving a rate of our primary outcome of 19 of 52 (36.5%). All women reported compliance
with prescribed activity restriction (100%). Gestational age at delivery was not different
in women placed on activity restriction.
Conclusion This questionnaire suggests that approximately one in three high-risk women were
placed on activity restriction during their pregnancy despite a departmental policy
against its use. The 100% compliance rate in patients placed on activity restriction
is a strong reminder of the impact prescribing patterns of physicians can have on
patients.
Key Points
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One in three women are placed on activity restriction in pregnancy.
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Women are compliant with prescribed activity restriction.
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Activity restriction does not reduce rates of preterm birth.
Keywords
activity restriction - preterm birth - short cervix - history of preterm birth
