Pregnant and working as RN

townsend · Jul 18, 2002

Congratulations! When I was pregnant with my son, I worked 12 hour shifts in the ICU, working midnights. I worked until I delivered, in fact I worked my 12 hour shift, went home and took a nap till 11:30 am, a whole 3 1/2 hours, and when I got up my water broke, and my labor started!! My doctor didn't put me off work, I certainly didn't take it very easy, I lifted and tugged, but was careful not to hurt myself. I was also kicked by a patient, but will no ill effects. I even almost fainted on a few docs!!!!!! Listen to the doctor, and follow their instructions on working, and good luck!

tcolleen · Jul 18, 2002

Thanks to everyone for their input.

Rereading this thread has helped to reinforce to me one of the things I love most about nursing - other nurses! For all of the talk of "nurses eating their young", I have found that the vast majority of people in this profession are really quite exceptional and caring people.

To clarify for Mario - my husband is actually extremely supportive of my decision to work or not to work. I want to work as long as I (safely) can because that will allow me more time after the baby is born before I even have to think about going back to work. We are both planning to take parental leave and go through this journey together.

Congrats to all my fellow new parents/prospective new parents. Maybe we all get together for a chat on one of the new parent BBSes!

askater11 · Jul 18, 2002

I worked until 3 days before my son's due date.

I was working part time (24 hours a week) on the busiest, most hectic unit in our hospital. (at least that's what I've been told and believe me....it's busy....I'm sure E.R.'s just as busy too)

Anyway my 1st son weighed 5# 10 oz. at full-term. I truly believe it was related to job stress and lack of meals at work.

Pregnancy #2...I worked the same unit but only once a week. When I worked I had a snack with me. A granola bar or something....just incase I couldn't leave the floor for a whole meal. I worked less. Baby #2 was 8# 10 oz. full-term baby boy....in fact I had to get induced a few days early b/c of his size and I'm so petite.

Relax....take breaks....and eat!!!! Those are my hints....and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Joanne Gibson · Jul 18, 2002

I worked up until 2 weeks before both of my children's births in a busy CCU. It was not easy, I was exhausted and was not given "lite" duty. Defibrilating patients was a challenge with a huge belly. I once had a nurse who worked until the end of her 12 hour shift, then I wheeled her down to OB, called her husband and told him to get there asap. Don't know how long she was in labor but can't imagine how exhaused she must have been.

rowbucks · Jul 19, 2002

I woke up 1 week overdue, having contractions, and went to work (7-3). I passed my meds, did treatments, etc. until 12p.m. The charge nurse made me call the doctor. I figured why sit at home or in the hospital when I can keep moving and speed things along. I had my daughter at 8:36 that night. :cool: :blushkiss

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Jul 19, 2002

Howdy yall

from deep in the heart of texas

When it comes to pregnancy and working I always respect the wishes of the pregnant women. She knows what best for her. And I am not going to offer any advise

Mama Val, ASN, RN · Jul 22, 2002

When I was preggers with my twins my doctor said that I was going to deliver early (told him I wouldn't but he bet his paycheck on it) and that I should make plans to quit work at 6 months. Boy was HE wrong. I worked up until 6 days before I delivered and I was only 7 days early. Still haven't seen that paycheck.

I had a very boring pregnancy and I felt better that I worked (8, 10 and 12 hour shifts) and was able to get out of the house and move around doing something I loved. The patients thought it was neat, the kids loved to touch my tummy and feel the boys move around :eek: it was an ice breaker sometimes :chuckle

Listen to your body and do what you think is best for the baby, the hospital will still be standing there when you get back.

After the babies were born I moved across the counrty twice so I didn't start working again for about 16 months.

Question... why are you just asking the RNs...LPNs get pregnant and still work the same hours???????

dstout-rn · Feb 5, 2003

Originally posted by cheerfuldoer
Ahhhhhhhhhh...how sweet! Of course you'll upload their photos here so we can all have a look when they are born, won't you?

I just love witty bitty babies! :kiss :balloons:

:roll :kiss

They are here!!!!!!!!!!!! Born Nov 12 2002

http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage.asp?UrlID=4S4Q9K3W6Z

http://www.growingfamily.com/webnursery/babypage.asp?UrlID=3R2N1Q9L4W

ayemmeff · Feb 5, 2003

Oh!!!!! They are bee-yew-tee-ful!! Two gorgeous boys...Congratulations!

SmilingBluEyes · Feb 5, 2003

WAY TO GO!!!! ^5 they are precious.

emily_mom · Feb 5, 2003

OMG....what peanuts!! I want a baby....NOW.....

My twin nephews were born premature at 28 weeks. They are now 15 months (12 actual...whatever) and they are HUGE! Sam was 2 lb 7.6 oz at birth and Ben was 3 lb 1.2 oz. Auntie adores them to death!!!

Kristy

Trauma Columnist · Feb 5, 2003

I was in the military with son #1 - worked up until a week before delivery - no options. Then with son #2, I worked up until three hours before I gave birth, drove myself to OB appointment and was found to be 8cm dilated. Yikes!!! This was all when I was quite a bit younger. Some of my friends are having babies now in their 40's but don't think I would want that at this point. Good luck..