Unfortunately, research has found that bed rest does not stop or slow the progression of preeclampsia. The kind of bed rest where you literally spend all your time lying on your side for days, weeks, months, only up to use the bathroom is no longer recommended. It carries risk of blood clots, bone and muscle atrophy, and depression.
Some doctors still recommend restricted activity, taking it easy, and they may call it bed rest or “modified bed rest”. This also will not stop or slow preeclampsia, but it avoids normal activity-related spikes while you wait for delivery. It is a tool for controlling your pressure, just like medication, but high blood pressure is just a symptom, not the primary problem. If you are not sure how much you need to rest, you can ask your doctor for more information.