Pregnant in the ICU

[misslolalady]

Hello,

I recently found out I am pregnant. I also just started working in the ICU. Are there things that I should look out for that could potentially harm the pregnancy? I am a little paranoid, as this is my 3rd pregnancy after 2 miscarriages, so naturally, I would like to be as cautious as possible.

Thank you.

[tryingtohaveitall]

Congratulations on your pregnancy and I hope all goes smoothly for you and your little one.

I've had 5 successful pregnancies while working in an ICU, 1 miscarriage and worked alongside many, many pregnant women. As some have mentioned, use good precautions, especially with those who are infectious or who have received recent chemo. Shield or hide when x-rays are being taken.

As your pregnancy progresses, you may want to invest in some good support hose. I never did but know they really helped some. Good shoes will also be helpful as you get farther along if your back and legs start to ache.

I worked to 38-40 weeks with them all with no difficulty other than what you'd expect, sore back, tired, etc.

Congrats again!

[Otessa, BSN, RN]

Heavy lifting is what I avoided and ate plenty of snacks and drank fluids to avoid dehydration-I had a few miscarriages before my successful pregnancy with twins. I was always willing to do the wiping, feeding, paperwork, staffing and arranging/tucking of bedding-hanging drips, dealing with a crotchety family member or patient-in exchange for lifting help.

otessa