[Bed rest when the water breaks early--in accordance with the evidence or old habit?]

Bed rest is often prescribed as part of the treatment plan for women with preterm premature rupture of membranes in the hope of avoid-ing premature birth. The purpose of this study was to determine the routine care of these patients in Swedish hospitals.A survey was sent to all hospitals in Sweden with an obstetrics department (n=45). Out of these, 31 answered our survey (69 %). The women were separated into three groups depending on gestation length (22+0-26+6, 27+0-32+6 and 33+0-36+6).Most hospitals chose to admit the women and to recommend total or partial bed rest. The earlier in the pregnancy the rupture occurred, the more likely the patient was to be confined to total bed rest.The study shows that this topic is controversial. Most hospitals use bed rest even though there is no evidence to support that it is of benefit for the patient. More studies in this area are required in order to find an optimal treatment for this patient group.