microbiology for pregnant women

mstigerlily · Feb 20, 2006

Did anyone take Microbiology while they were pregnant or know someone who did? I am taking it now and I am 5 mos. pregnant. The instructor seems to think I am perfectly safe, but I am concerned about being in contact with all of those microbes. She doesn't even have gloves available for us! I had to buy my own.
Any stories, advice, words of caution to share?
Thanks!

I took Micro when pregnant, I was fine. I wouldn't worry about Microbiology class, you're just dealing with slides of germs. Worry more about working at the hospital when pregnant.

Did clinicals at the VA Hospital (full of a lot more dangerous microbes!) in my 3rd pregnancy and was fine. If possible, obviously you want to avoid TB patients, MRSA, VRE, c-diff and other isolation patients and you want to use standard precautions (as always). There are lots of pregnant nurses out there.

suzanne4, RN · Feb 20, 2006

Your patients have more organisms that you can actually catch, than you will see in an undergrad micro lab.

Patients have things that can kill you, what you are seing in your lab can't.

twinpumpkin · Feb 20, 2006

I took Micro in summer school and was 6-7 months pregnant. I asked the professor if there would be any problem and he said no. I was just as cautious as the other students and made sure to wash my hands and work area often. The only thing that affected me was the stress...I had swollen ankles the day before an exam and my OB made me go home and put my feet up.

In A&P the previous semester, I did have a few issues with nausea while disecting the frog. My instructor was understanding and I finished.

You shouldn't have any problems.