Pregnant and working as RN

Nurses General Nursing

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I would like to ask this to anyone who has worked as an RN while she was pregnant. I am 4 months along (my first), and work a 12-hour floor that is extremely busy. Sometimes I don't even get a chance to sit down to chart until the shift is over and I've handed over my patients. My question is this: has anybody worked a floor like this? Were you able to keep working up until your due date (or close to it)? I'm not sure what to expect. We are short-staffed (like almost all the other places these days) and I don't want to let pressure from management keep me working longer than is healthy for me or my baby. Also, what about after the birth? When did you return to work? Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

With my DD, I worked until 32 weeks in a heavy respiratory step down unit when I started having contractions at work. Went straight to the OB's office. I was measuring small, so they did a stat US. She was fine, but I was still having contractions on the EFM. So he signed me out on modified bed rest. Good thing...I'm short and I was HUGE! He kept saying if he could get me to 36 weeks he'd be happy. Well I was 41 3/7 weeks when I finally delivered the day before my mom's birthday.:biggringi

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Specializes in Interventional Pain Mgmt NP; Prior ICU and L/D RN.

Well, looks like you got more than enough answers:) I work on a very busy medical step down ICU and worked up until by 3rd baby was born. I had no problems doing the 12hrs for one simple reason......MY COWORKERS!!!! If I said I needed to sit down for a few, they covered for me. If I got the munchies, the secretary went to the coffee shop and got me some goodies (sometimes more than 1x a night:):):) I did have some bleeding in the beginning, but like my OB said nothing I did or didn't do would make anything happen or not......but that was the first-second month of pregnancy. Use common sense, don't pull on pt's b/c you are short staffed, don't lift heavy equipment, push or pull on stuff. You and your babies well being isn't worth it. Simply wait for help. Family members always were very understanding when I would explain it to them (pt too) Don't fret over needing time off if you have to have it....the little angel will be worth it (or until he/she b/c a teenager like my oldest one..that's different thread:) LOL) work isn't unhealthy and should not affect your pregnancy. I never took any extra time off b/c I didn't need it, so I had 12weeks off after the birth. I could have taken more, but I wanted some days left in case the baby got sick or whatever.

GOOD LUCK and CONGRATULATIONS!!!! The first is sooooooooo exciting. But I promise the last one is too:)

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This is a tough one. I worked to the end with both of my pregnancies. I was working a 12 hr ICU day/night rotation with one, and taking night call in the PACU (after working all day) during the other. I was often exhausted, tearful, swollen, nauseous etc. I did end up taking a LOA during my first trimester with the second one due to the nausea.

I remember the other nurses not being particularly supportive when I couldn't keep up toward the end. They would make comments about how other nurses had done it...

If you can afford to take off during the last month or so, do it. It's really hard being on your feet for 12+ hrs/day and lifting and turning sick patients when you are so uncomfortable and enormous. Unfortunately, most employers won't give you the extra time off before without robbing you of the needed time off afterwards. If your medical leave is limited (say to 12 wks), I'd try to take two before and the rest afterwards. Going back to work when you are breastfeeding and aren't sleeping through the night is no picnic either.

Good luck!! I wish you an easy delivery!!

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Congratulations to all you pregnant mothers!!! Little future RN'S ???

Anyway, I agree with it being an individual thing. Just as long as you remember it's time to take extra good care of yourself.

I had my last baby at 44 yrs. old and working 12 hr shifts in a major trauma -neuro ICU.

Don't remember management helping to ease the burden much...in fact, was still being assigned MRSA or VRSA patients. Just took extra precautions myself and my friendly co-worker- friends were more than gracious in helping out! Helped that my husband RN was also a co-worker!! Baby girl is as healthy as ever!! In fact probably healthier than the other pampered 4.

Best of health and happiness to both Moms and Babies!!:nurse:

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I have been upset when management has chided me for giving a cushy assignment to one of my pregnant coworkers. I had to sell them on the idea that 'If we want them there we must protect them a bit...or go shortstaffed".....finally convinced my manager this way, but it was tough. I will always consider the pregnancy of a coworker in my assignment.

So many infections, MRSA and VRE now, HEPC, combative patients, stress.....I became preeclampic and I'm sure my hectic workplace contributed. The swing shift made it hard to work in my third trimester..couldn't get enough sleep. Finally ended up on bedrest when my doc put her foot down.

If you have trouble and your workplace isn't supportive, talk to your doc...and let him/her know the workplace stresses. You may have zero problems like others have said, or it may be a drain...take it as it comes and look out for you and the bub, as said.

Best wishes...take care of yourself!! :)

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"I have been upset when management has chided me for giving a cushy assignment to one of my pregnant coworkers. I had to sell them on the idea that 'If we want them there we must protect them a bit...or go shortstaffed".....finally convinced my manager this way, but it was tough. I will always consider the pregnancy of a coworker in my assignment. " mattsmom81

It's just awful that you had to work so hard to get the understanding and compassion for our co-workers that management [nursing]expects us to show our patients. Kindness and understanding are the virtues that make us human.

You are to be applauded for your efforts in making sense of it all!

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

I worked up until I delivered....3 twelves in a row every week. But then I had 4 to recup :) Drink a ton of water and make sure you get a break to prop those tootsies up. I pushed a kid down to surgery, was in charge and had 4 kids of my own and ran to 2 code pinks the night before my water broke. Now it that didn't put me into labor, nothing could have LOL.

Just take it easy once you are home :) And enjoy this pregnancy! :) :)

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Here are some new pics of the boys

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here is another this Carson the smaller twin he is 8# now the other twin is Colbey he is 13#!!!

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This is Colbey...

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here is the picture

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Specializes in NICU, adult med-tele.

I had got pregnant unexpectedly a few weeks after getting my lisence. Financially there was no way I could quit. So I kept on working, on a floor just like yours. I often didn't get a break either but I worked nights so i had to at least sit down and do 24 hour checks. I was generally fine except I did have some pretty severe edema the last few weeks and my pressure was a little higher than they'd have liked it to be. I'd say if there's anyway possible you could take about the last month or so off, do, except then there is that whole thing where you are home, bored, eating and begging the Dr to induce you. If you are healthy it is really up to you. Congratulations and good luck! Take care of yourself and your little one!

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