PREGNANCY NIGHTSHIFT

[kusters, BSN]

Hey guys,

I am worried about pregnancy and nightshift? How did you work nights while pregnant? I am so worried about miscarriage due to nights and trying to keep my sleep schedule on swing shift as much as possible.

Any tips? Also waiting for your ultrasound is very hard. I want to survive nights and make sure baby is okay.

Any tips/advice would be great.

Thank you!

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

I have worked with MANY coworkers on night shift that have healthy babies. Exhaustion in pregnancy is common no matter what shift you work, and night shift workers are often tired anyway, so that can be a bit more challenging. I don't think there's a correlation between miscarriage rates and nightshift. Just listen to your body and try to enjoy your pregnancy, extra stress will be worse for your baby than the nightshift schedule.  Good luck!

[SmilingBluEyes]

I worked NOC through an entire pregnancy. Exhaustion is part of pregnancy. No matter what shift. She came out fine, 9 pounds and healthy.  Days is not necessarily better or safer.

[JKL33]

6 hours ago, JBMmom said:

I don't think there's a correlation between miscarriage rates and nightshift.

There are studies that have suggested a correlation.

To the OP - The best thing is to have a discussion of your concerns with your OB who can speak to your individual situation and help put this concern into a context for you. Please do that rather than worry.

As has already been stated, many women who work night shift have had healthy pregnancies.

Congratulations! It's good to be proactive in doing things that will contribute to a healthy pregnancy, but make sure to talk to your provider rather than let this one concern steal your joy. ??

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

20 hours ago, JKL33 said:

There are studies that have suggested a correlation.

I had not looked into this before, thank you for pointing that out. I certainly did not mean to make light of the OP's concerns. The last thing newly pregnant women need is something else to worry about!

[MiladyMalarkey, ASN, BSN]

I wasn't so tired as my body fiercly ached, especially that last trimester.  If anything, working nights preggo had me sleeping even better during the day, my body was extra tired and I'd go into super deep sleeps after work. Baby born good and healthy.  

You will probably be okay, but always talk with your OB about any concerns and ask for their suggestions. If you don't feel right, talk to the doc right away.  Always put you and baby first. Congratulations!