Pregnancy and Precautions in the OR

[TXRNor]

I recently found out that I'm pregnant. I'm fairly new to the OR and I was wanting some opinions about precautions to take. I know that I should avoid cases with xray and fluoro. If I do have to circulate a case with

potential radiation exposure, I know I have to wear a lead apron-or get out of the room. I've also read that bone cement poses hazards to the baby. Please give me suggestions on how to protect myself during pregnancy. I've already been in a couple of cases with bone cement and a couple of cases where I did have to wear a lead apron. I can't help but worry. I'm praying everything will be ok.

Thanks

[Devon Rex, ADN, BSN]

Talk with your OR Director about it. If there are risks, they should make sure to provide you with a safe work environment. If you're not satisfied, contact your Risk Manager for further assurance.

[Mr. & Mrs. RN]

I am 20 weeks pregnant. Obviously pregnant people work in the OR all the time. If you are circulating, step out of the room for X-rays if you can, and remember to wear a circumferential lead apron or wear one on your front and one on your back. If your running around, you'll get caught with your back to the C-arm way too often.

Avoid cases with cement. An ortho surgeon was telling me about a study they did on pregnant female orhto residents. They didn't find any toxins in their or their baby's blood from methyl methacrylate, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. It probably won't harm baby, but best to be avoided. I usually leave the room for those 15-20 minutes that the fumes are particularly strong. I don't have a nurse to relieve me on my shift...I'm the only nurse there. I stand near the door and if anybody needs something, anesthesia will let me know, and I'll come in.

Also avoid Sevofluorane gases from anesthesia. Another unproven risk, but better to be avoided. Just let your anesthesiologists know.