Pregnant...4 weeks...advice on sharing news at work.

[jillianLPN]

Hi,

I just found out I am pregnant!! We have been trying for some time now about 4 years! (YIPPPIIEEE!!!) If I had my way I would wait until the 7 week u/s (I am 4 almost 5 weeks now) I don't think I can keep it to myself that long simply because of the work we do. We are exposed to so many things cytotoxic meds, radioactive pt's, certain iso's etc.

I will share some background info. There is one co-worker that since the day she met me she has asked me about having babies. I have tried to change the subject and even told her I don't want to talk to her about it. This has gone on for about 5 years now. Another co-worker I confided in a few years back, spilled the beans that hubby and I were trying to the entire shift just 2 weeks ago. I just want my space and not a lot of attention. I am scared and happy all at the same time. I just want a healthy happy little baby!! (OH I can't wait!!)

I don't want to go in shift by shift and hope that I don't have to change my assignment. I am afraid that this will only lead to more rumors and more stress. So I think it is best that I just come out and say it at report on my next shift. Any words of advice any helpful hints on how to deal with all of this? It is all so very new to me!!

Thanks!

[GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

Woo-Hoo! Congrats! I would first tell your nurse manager or whoever makes the shift assignment. That would buy you a few weeks. You MAY need to disclose on a need to know basis if someone asks you for help and you can't help them for whatever the reason. But I would just stick to the supervisor(s) until you are ready to tell everyone if you don't want it being public knowledge. I told everyone right away both times (like as soon as I got the call from the lab confirming I was pregnant after a quick call to hubby), but that was just me. I didn't want to have to skirt around certain things in a vague way. I wasn't overly worried if the whole place knew or if I had a miscarriage. I figure LOTS of women go through it, it would be extra support if I needed it.