MRSA exposure while pregnant

[HHSN28]

Hello,

I am new to Home Health nursing (within the last 5 months). I just found out I am pregnant (about 4-5 weeks along). I went to a home to admit a patient and after being there and changing her catheter and practically getting ready to leave, the office called to inform me her urine is MRSA positive. I am totally paranoid that this could have a bad effect on my developing baby. I called my doctor's office, who I don't see for another 3 weeks yet, and his NP informed me there's nothing that can be done and to call if I develop open wounds. I understood that part but can exposure to MRSA in the urine really cause open wounds. I guess my question is can the exposure to this, or possible transmission of, be harmful to my fetus? I know we probably all have MRSA in our nares, but urine MRSA? Thanks in advance for your help. All of my confidence and knowledge have seemed to go out the window knowing I have a little one to worry about! :redpinkhe

[kiszi, RN]

don't want to offer medical advice here, but as a pregnant hhc nurse myself, I personally wouldn't worry. How many pts have MRSA that we don't even know about? Standard precautions and handwashing should be sufficient.

[homehealth_rn]

I agree with kiszi. I didn't work in home health while I was pregnant, but I worked in a hospital. I was also very paranoid about taking care of any pts on contact or airborn precautions. I spoke with the hospital's infectious control doctor, and he assured me that as long as I took the proper precautions that my baby and I would be fine. I now have a healthy 15 month old :) Good luck in your pregnancy!