One of the easiest ways that a woman can assist herself through a complicated pregnancy is to drink a minimum of eight glasses of water per day. Too little fluid decreases the blood flow to the uterus, as well as increasing prostaglandin a hormone that stimulate contractions. Adequate hydration also helps prevent urinary tract infection, which is a common cause of preterm labour. Staying well hydrated also helps to reduce swelling, heartburn, headaches, constipation and muscle aches.

To the outside world, it seems easy for these "bedresting" women to get what they need nutritionally...

Another factor that can strongly affect the health of a pregnancy is nutrition and particularly with preterm labour, nutrition can become a significant factor. If a woman is bedresting, she may likely not be very hungry due to her activity restrictions. It will be important for this woman to seriously consider her nutritional choices and either prepare or have prepared for her foods that she can easily digest, that she enjoys, and that have nutritional benefit for her pregnancy and growing baby. To the outside world, it seems easy for these "bedresting" women to get what they need nutritionally, when in fact, if a person does not exercise their muscles on a regular basis, has irregular sleep patterns, and is confined to a small area, they will generally not feel as hungry.

Women carrying more than one baby (twins, triplets, etc.) have increased needs and will have to adjust how much they intake nutritionally. Women with diabetes should consider consultation with a nutritional counselor in order to learn more about appropriate eating patterns and ways of keeping blood sugars under control while still getting enough nutritionally.