Is Nursing Bad (Too Stressful) for Pregnancy?

SarahtheRN · Apr 12, 2010

Are you kidding? How many prego nurses have you worked with? I had major concerns too-but then I got a grip:) of course you can be exposed-but just like any other day at work. Use universal precautions to protect yourself just like any other day at work. I worked 12 hour shifts-nights in a very busy and high acuity ICU/CCU unit. I had numerous patients assigned to me that had nasty infections but I just used the normal precautions. I will admit this-with the necrotizing fasciitis patients-i tried my best not to take those patients and usually my coworkers were fine to trade. Your coworkers are your backbone and this is especially true when pregnant. About middle of pregnancy I started asking for help in turning pts, moving up in beds etc (these were all vents or comatose patients) by end of pregnancy I did no lifting (not really by choice but by force or coworkers) I did go in rooms to observe the necrotizing fasciitis patients during dressing changes- if I had time and I did apply extra layer of protection-this was probably not necessary though. I worked 3 scheduled shifts a week and usually worked a average of 1 to 2 extra shifts and I did this until 2 days before my due date. Granted I had a healthy pregnancy-which I honestly believe staying active by working is what assisted with that! So go for it! If you need to puke stop what you are doing, do your business and continue what you were doing:) I did that about 4 times! Coworkers laughing at me! So as long as you are healthy, have good coworkers and +++use universal precautions+++ you should be ok! Good Luck!

Hope this was helpful

cherrybreeze, ADN, RN · Apr 12, 2010

While I am maybe clueless since I've never been pregnant , I don't think it's a problem....nurses get pregnant and have babies all the time! I've lost count of how many of my coworkers have had kids (and often more than one) during the years I've worked with them. Being that it's a female-dominated profession, not to be harsh, but I'm surprised you're that concerned about it.

Get help with the lifting, when you're far enough along (or if your doctor gives you any restrictions for some reason), and don't take care of people with chicken pox or shingles. That's about all I can think of that you'd need to do differently.

Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2010

Nurses have been having babies since the beginning of time... and those babies have lived and had their own! It will be ok. The previous posters have given some great advice. :) Congratulations on your pregnancy! Ivanna

mommyX2 · Apr 12, 2010

I am about to hit 35 weeks pregnant and have not had any trouble. I work 2 12 hour shifts per week (just went down from 3) and still take contact pts. I just follow the same precautions as anyone else and get help when moving pts.

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2010

I will be the odd man out I'm sure but I would say avoid it if you can. If your family can make it without the extra income then why risk it ? Relax and enjoy your pregnancy. You don't have to be Superchick unless you just happen to enjoy that. Take good care of yourself :)

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Apr 12, 2010

I just had my 5th baby 9 months or so ago. All of my pregnancies have been hard..pre eclampsia, PIH, severe morning sickness. some I've worked FT, most I've worked PT.

soooo....I'm not sure I would be able to do FT work and then take care of the other kids and be pregnant. That is just me. I'm glad I only work PT and PRN.

As a PP stated...look around at your co workers. I'm sure you'ved worked with one or two that have been pregnant.

Prengancy is just a condition...not a disease.

iteachob, MSN, RN · Apr 12, 2010

I've had 2 healthy, full-term kids while working as a nurse; the first one while working 12 hour nights the second at the very "ripe" age of 41. It can be done.

elkpark · Apr 12, 2010

I've known tons of pregnant nurses over the years, most of whom worked until they went into labor. A friend of mine had her second child a few years ago at age 50. I'm currently covering the maternity leave of a colleague who had a baby in her mid-40s (she worked right up until she went into labor). I have no children myself, but, apparently, it's not a big deal (being a pregnant nurse).

I'm curious as to whether you're really "terrified" about the possible impact on the pregnancy, or you're just looking, on some level, for a rationale for getting away from your job and the pregnancy fits the bill.

Best wishes!

Trauma Columnist · Apr 12, 2010

Stressful is being active duty military and pregnant!

LeLeeFNP · Apr 13, 2010

thanks to those of you who are analyzing the intent of my post. I really meant the question in a genuine manner. Its quite funny how some people on this site live for posting mean and sarcastic remarks just to make themselves feel good. I feel bad that people have self esteem low enough to get thrills out of insulting others.

For those of you who gave helpful and encouraging advice I appreciate it. I was under a lot of stress with my second child (who is special needs) and I just want to make sure that if I have another baby that I do whatever i can to make it the healthiest pregnancy I can, Including taking care of myself.

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 13, 2010

Where I work, it's about 50/50 that you'll have preterm labor and have to go on bedrest. I had PTL and ended up delivering at 36 weeks with a baby who required 10 days in the NICU.