Stress in second trimester?

Question

I know that stress in the first trimester is said (by some) to contribute to miscarriage-what about stress in the second trimester?

I'm 20wks preg and completely overwhelmed at work. My hours are insane and i am so stressed by the workload i want to burst into tears. Its a mentally demanding job (Financial & Equity Accountant) and i've always been up to the challenge - even if it meant working 18hrs a day plus weekends. But these days i just can't. They are aware of the fact that i am pregnant but we have just completed 5 major deals which doesn't leave any space for consideration with the fact that i am pregnant - my work load is increasing not decreasing.

I've been experiencing little sharp twinges in my belly lately - i don't know whether its related or not - more discomfort than pain.
I can't give up work yet but on top of the work-load i am worried about how my high stress levels could affect baby.

Does anyone know how or if stress affects baby at this stage of pregnancy?

Answer 1

I am going through the same thing in a way! My manager is male and I dont think he understands how hard it is to be pregnant! I'm 30 weeks and he still has me lifting heavy objects and stocking shelves and I get the same cramping in my side as you describe and I am stressed out and have been tempted to storm out and never come back but I need the money or my baby will not have any support. I think all we BOTH can do is try to calm down and stop trying to take on so much. And being that you are 20 wks you should stop stressing NOW because it IS hard on the baby! I've been trying to get rid of my stress by taking breaks or calling a friend to vent about how overloaded I am. You'll be fine. Just pace yourself. Good luck!

Answer 2

I dont think you will have a miscarriage since you are not bleeding or cramping. It is a VERY good sign that you can feel you baby move but you should really try to relax more since it could make you have complications delivering. I would really recommend doing yoga or taking walks that always helps you mind and body relax. It is not worth stressing when it can harm the baby. I wish you all the luck!!

Answer 3

Stress is never good pregnant or not. So be sure to find some time for yourself and relax a little. Have your doctor write a not if u need to. This is better than pushing yourself to far and dont feel guilty u r trying to make another life right now

Answer 4

It's not likely to do much damage to your baby, but you do need to cut back on your workload...someone else can take over work.
How about asking your doctor for a weeks sick-note so that you can rest without worrying about work, and give yourself some nice relaxing big bubble baths, some massages etc.
You have to do this as much for you as for your baby. Carrying on at this pace will make you burn out, and your baby needs a mommy who is good to go...at this pace, you won't be.

Answer 5

im pretty sure that any amount of stress at anytime during the pregnancy will not be good at all so just go see ur doctor and ask for advise with either some relaxation tecniques or medication(natural of course)vitamins etc get plenty of rest and if u have a partner get him to help you relax (masages etc)and just think about ur baby inside you when u get stressed or angry and think how its affecting it..just calm down and im sure u will be fine..

Answer 6

If I were you I would call and talk to your doctor about the stress load because it might cause harm for you and the baby if you werent pregnant and you were under stress it would just harm you but you have to think about your child talk to your doctor and let them know what is going on

Answer 7

My cousin also has a stressful demanding job and it caused her to miscarry.
My other cousin's wife had a miscarriage because her mother in law gave her such a hard time and she was very toxic woman.

If i were you, I would take maternity leave if possible. Can you both live off of your partner/husband/boyfriend's salary?