Needlestick While Pregnant

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Dental.

I got poked with a solid needle July 10. Patient is 16 years old, grandma (guardian) and patient did not want to get blood work. I can’t remember if there was visible blood on the instrument, it is very likely there was. I was unable to wash site right away as it was on my thigh. I was 9 weeks pregnant when it happened and just wanted patient to go for my own reassurance. My work policy is for me to get tested again at 4 months. My worry is that I become infected while pregnant and baby gets infectious disease. While I definitely don’t want to get anything myself, I am more at terms with myself getting something than having to deal with the guilt of giving it to my baby. While I know no one can tell me I am 100% in the clear, any stories of reassurance appreciated!

Specializes in ER.

There should be a law that, if a person consents to bloodwork or any other procedure that might expose a health care worker to blood, the patient is required to be tested in the event of accidental exposure.

On 8/17/2020 at 10:41 AM, Emergent said:

There should be a law that, if a person consents to bloodwork or any other procedure that might expose a health care worker to blood, the patient is required to be tested in the event of accidental exposure.

There is a law in my state, Michigan.

What did your OB say about this? I also was stuck with a dirty needle from a IV drug abuser, at about 6 weeks along. Received IGG series as a preventative.

Specializes in Dental.

I haven’t seen him yet I will see him on the 31st. I will talk to him then and post again. Did your OB say anything about it yet?

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I didn't think there was a choice about it if there is a body fluid exposure. That's shocking to me, that they can refuse.

Specializes in Dental.

I know. I even called 3 weeks later to ask again if he would go. I think the stress/anxiety about the whole situation is worse than the actual poke itself.

6 hours ago, Kelly25287 said:

I haven’t seen him yet I will see him on the 31st. I will talk to him then and post again. Did your OB say anything about it yet?

My pregnancy was a long time ago, sorry didn't mean for any confusion. I would not wait for the appointment .. the IGG would need to be administered ASAP.

Specializes in Dental.

Oh that’s okay! I actually saw the OB A few weeks after it happened. They weren’t concerned just said to get retested in 4 months per my work policy. Just anxious to talk about it with them again LOL. Anxiety has me through the roof on this

Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

Had a needlestick when I was a non-nurse doing HIV testing in 1992. When I was pregnant with RJ Junior it occurred to me....I was HIV-negative but what about HepC???? I was also negative for that. Follow the policy. And don't spend too much time on the worry porch. Good luck!

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