Q: I am 6 1/2 months pregnant (2nd pregnancy). For the past 2 1/2 months my weight is not increasing. Initially, before conceiving, my weight was 62 kg. After 3 months of pregnancy, my weight came down to 61.5 kg. Now, after 6 months of pregnancy, my weight is 65 kg. So, from the date of conceiving till now, my weight has increased by 3 kgs only. My height is 5.3 inches. I got scanned during 21st week. Scanning report indicated 23 weeks foetus. There is no other major problem as such. Although the baby is large for date as per scanning report, my care-provider is little worried about my constant weight. She has suggested me some tonics, tablets and proteins and I am taking them regularly. Also, I would like to inform you that I am a working woman and I dont find time to eat sufficiently. As I am completing 7 months, is it necessary for me to take maternity leave from now itself, so that I can eat properly and take rest, in order to increase my weight. Could you kindly let me know whether this constant weight affects my babys growth.

A:Your babys growth seems to be OK. It is possible that you are not gaining weight because of not taking proper diet. You should eat every 2-3 hours. Take good, nutritious diet that includes green vegetables, fruits and milk products. Supplement the diet with vitamins, proteins, calcium and iron. Working women keep working till just before delivery. You may continue to do that. But do take proper rest, at least 8-10 hours sleep every day.