Hi,

I keep reading about your suggestions on this site and really impressed not only with your in-depth knowledge on this subject but also with fact that you seems to be very kind and genuine.

I am currently 14-15th week pregnant, this is my 2nd preg; 1st preg. was miscarriage (I was spotting and developed some infection in vagina region). This time also I spotted first time at 7-8th week and 2nd time during 9th week and afterwards Dr suggest me to go on bed rest till next scan. I rested 1 complete month and took leave from office. Now as per Dec 20th scan, my 13 week has completed and everything appears to be normal, Dr. also suggested me to start work if I wish. I started working also for 5-6hours on daily basis, planning to increase slowly for 8-9hrs. My office is very close by from home (4-5km)

Now the trouble is all my family is against except my hubby about my working during pregnancy especially till I complete 5 months (Due to 1st preg. experience). In last 6-7 days working I have not felt anything wrong, no tiredness...in fact felt happy as time passes fast.

I want your advice on this subject, do you think by not listening my family members I am doing harm to my baby. Since I don't have common symptom of nausia etc..Sometimes I find it very restless to know that my baby is doing good inside. My next Dr. visit is due on Jan 4th and next U/s due during 22-24th week. Can you suggest someway which can tell me everything is going fine inside, I mean some feeling, sensation, movement etc.. which can give me indication. I feel hungry regularly.

Please note that in my office there is no rest room where I can lye down during office hours.

Keeping everything in mind, please suggest.

Thanks,
Sudha
Archie replied. Dear Sudha,
Congratulations on your second pregancy. You are already in second trimester and a very little chance for miscarriage here after, so enjoy and stop getting worried on that part, usually pregnancy at this stage is far from miscarriage risk.
I consider mother knows better than Drs or anyone.
Having said this, I would want yourself to relate your previous pregnancy and present one with reference to their symptoms.

You did not mentioned at what stage (weeks) you lost your first pregnancy.

Infections are pretty much common while pregnant and this is why even if your Dr. may not have said this I would want you to stay off the intercourse, if you really want then ask your spouse to use condom, will reduce risk of getting infection.

Try not to wear synthetic undergarments, if possible go only for 100% cotton textured undergarments near vaginal area.

Vaginal discharge is very common yet do not ignore any discharge that may be of different color or with specific odour, if you experience other than vaginal discharge see your Dr. immediately.

Try not to eat out side, especially in restaurants, one can not guarantee on hygine to 100%.

Try to avoid Cheese and dairy products that are not pasteurized by yourself at home, mean boil milk before drinking, make yogurt at home. Try not to eat salads outside. Do not eat myonnaisse or anything that contain raw eggs.
These are some tips on how to avoid any infection.

Remember to empty your bladder time to time and drink plenty of water.

About working, if you think this pregnancy is way different than your last one, then working in second trimester is perfectly fine and I would say your Dr. is correct in this matter. However, never ignore that no one can gurantee on how a pregnancy will go, two pregnancies of one mother are different so are the pregnancies in different individual. All suggestions are based on experience and they can be used as guidelines rather than a solution.

Should you experience any discomfort, remember/promise that you will get back to bed and if you do so then you can continue working.

You are likely to experience baby movemnets between week 16 to week 24. Once you will start noticing then you would not worry. At this stage nothing should go wrong provided you follow the guidelines suggested above.

I think your Dr. may perform an Ultra Sound around week 20 if you live in USA.
This ultrasound is bigger one and will confirm each part of baby is developing normal and there is all great with his/her development.

Keep good thoughts and positive attitude.

Archie