Which of the following is a potential complication of prolonged bed rest in pregnant clients?

Prolonged bed rest in pregnant clients can lead to several complications, one of which is orthostatic hypotension. This condition occurs when an individual experiences a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing or moving, often leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. The mechanisms behind this involve changes in blood volume and vascular resistance due to inactivity over an extended period. In the context of pregnancy, where the body is already undergoing significant physiological changes, prolonged immobility can exacerbate this issue, making pregnant individuals particularly susceptible to orthostatic hypotension.

In contrast, increased activity levels and enhanced fetal movement are not typical outcomes of prolonged bed rest. Instead, bed rest often correlates with reduced physical activity and may lead to decreased fetal movements as well. Additionally, prolonged immobility tends to result in decreased blood flow to extremities rather than increased blood flow, as blood circulation can be compromised when movement is limited. Therefore, orthostatic hypotension effectively captures one of the key risks associated with extended periods of bed rest during pregnancy.