[ColoradoCRNA]

Hi,

I just graduated from CRNA school and got my first job. My husband and I have been wanting to have a baby for a while and I think it's finally the right time, HOWEVER, I'm concerned about how my job may harm the baby.

Since we can't know that we are pregnant until about week 3-4 will I be at a high risk for a miscarriage due to my job??

I'm brand new and don't want to go to my coworkers and say: "I have started trying to get pregnant and therefore need special accomodations"

Please help!!
Any CRNA that got pregnant while working as CRNA what did u do?

Thanks

JL

[TraumaNurse]

Three of our CRNAs recently had babies (And yes all 3 were out on maternity leave at the same time!) They all worked as usual in the OR up until the last days of their pregnancy. No problems were encountered by anyone (except trouble lifting patients and pushing stretchers). They were sure to stay out of certain rooms (Like Ortho with bone cement mixing, radiology cases, mask GA cases etc).
Statistically, I'm not sure of your increased risk and I not sure if there are any good studies out there, but anecdotely (sp?) of all the CRNA moms I know, no one has had any problems related to OR exposure.
My point, as long as you are careful and avoid obvious exposures, you should not have any problems. Best wishes.

[paindoc]

I knew a nurse that actually did become pregnant in the OR....but we don't need to discuss any more details....

[daisybaby]

Originally Posted by paindoc

I knew a nurse that actually did become pregnant in the OR....but we don't need to discuss any more details....

[catcolalex]

I am not trying to be rude or in any way demeaning, but i know for a fact that there are all male CRNA and Anesthesia groups out there that are composed as such to avoid the very problem of "maturnity leave". Im not saying i agree or disagree with that. but more than one chief CRNA has voiced their frustration with hiring women in child-bearing years because of strain on the department. Thoughts?

[jessi78]

Originally Posted by ColoradoCRNA

Hi,

I just graduated from CRNA school and got my first job. My husband and I have been wanting to have a baby for a while and I think it's finally the right time, HOWEVER, I'm concerned about how my job may harm the baby.

Since we can't know that we are pregnant until about week 3-4 will I be at a high risk for a miscarriage due to my job??

I'm brand new and don't want to go to my coworkers and say: "I have started trying to get pregnant and therefore need special accomodations"

Please help!!
Any CRNA that got pregnant while working as CRNA what did u do?

Thanks

JL

I am very curious/concerned about this too. We learned in Anest Principles that specifically, nitrous oxide is teratogenic in the first trimester - and at the beginning of the first trimester, you probably don't even know you are pregnant! Has anyone dealt with this situation at work? did you just take OB cases for the first trimester/or the whole 9 months? For many/most/all of us, life is on hold until we graduate - but then we start working... how do you handle this situation?

[paindoc]

One word: TIVA.

[heartICU]

Originally Posted by jessi78

... how do you handle this situation?

Don't use nitrous.

[RNCRNA2BE]

Originally Posted by paindoc

One word: TIVA.

?????

[paindoc]

TIVA= total intravenous anesthesia No volatile inhalational agents, and no nitrous oxide gasses=no harm to the pregnant female in the OR.
Constant infusions of remifentanyl plus propofol or propofol plus ketamine or whatever your combination of the day might be will save you from exposure to toxic agents and may make you smell better at night when you get home...yet another chance to improve the prospects of pregnancy.