Pregnant and working as RN

Nurses General Nursing

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I would like to ask this to anyone who has worked as an RN while she was pregnant. I am 4 months along (my first), and work a 12-hour floor that is extremely busy. Sometimes I don't even get a chance to sit down to chart until the shift is over and I've handed over my patients. My question is this: has anybody worked a floor like this? Were you able to keep working up until your due date (or close to it)? I'm not sure what to expect. We are short-staffed (like almost all the other places these days) and I don't want to let pressure from management keep me working longer than is healthy for me or my baby. Also, what about after the birth? When did you return to work? Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

They were born at 34 weeks because the smaller one was not getting enough food. Other than that they are both happy and healthy...:rolleyes:

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Specializes in Med-surg; OB/Well baby; pulmonology; RTS.

Congratulations! They are HANDSOME!! :kiss :balloons:

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Specializes in Med-surg; OB/Well baby; pulmonology; RTS.
Originally posted by tcolleen

I would like to ask this to anyone who has worked as an RN while she was pregnant. I am 4 months along (my first), and work a 12-hour floor that is extremely busy. Sometimes I don't even get a chance to sit down to chart until the shift is over and I've handed over my patients. My question is this: has anybody worked a floor like this? Were you able to keep working up until your due date (or close to it)? I'm not sure what to expect. We are short-staffed (like almost all the other places these days) and I don't want to let pressure from management keep me working longer than is healthy for me or my baby. Also, what about after the birth? When did you return to work? Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

I worked full time 12 hour days until 6 weeks when it was discovered I had some complications-I was put on bedrest for 8 weeks. I returned to work at 18 weeks part time and 8 hour shifts..then at 30 weeks, I was back on bedrest due to PIH.

After my son was born and then, later, passed away-I took a leave of absence for 8 weeks.

My OB/GYN did not allow me to take care of ANY isolation patients-he said that there were "plenty of other staff to take care of those patients"

Listen to you OB-DO NOT let management interfere with the health of you and your baby...even if you feel "guilty" for your unit being short staffed-YOUR HEALTH AND THAT OF YOUR BABY IS MORE IMPORTANT!!!!

GOOD LUCK:balloons:

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

I thought with this pregnancy that I would work as long as I could stand it, but when I got to be about 22 weeks along I was found to have placenta previa by US. The doc said no lifting greater than 20 lbs, and since that is a part of my job, my company said I couldn't work. Just as well though because a week or so after that I had my first bleeding episode, and have been on bedrest ever since. If it weren't for the complications of this pregnancy, I think I would have worked right up to the end though.

Congrats on your baby, & good luck with whatever you decide to do!

Lou

Convicted of placenta previa & serving time on couch arrest ~ Day 34

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Haven't posted in a looong time!

I worked up till the 41rst week (3 days a week of 12 hr shifts), then was induced.

Still on maternity leave-staying very busy!

Here is my pooper-stinker:

http://www.growthspurts.com/view.asp?s=81197&mode=photo&page=1&src=

Cheers,

Julie :)

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I could never make it past 8 1/2 months working because I was a little person who had big babies and the pressure on my cervix became extremely uncomfortable if I stood for very long. As long as you feel good then by all means work. If you find yourself getting exhausted and you are having swelling then for heaven sakes take care of you and the baby first. Don't push yourself.

If you can afford it take several months after the baby is born. You will never get those precious times back. After my first baby I went back to work full time at 6 weeks. Big mistake!! Not only was I worn out, I couldn't breast feed and I missed my baby terribly. I also missed very wonderful times in her little life.

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I worked up to 28 weeks and then the twins decided they wanted to come a little too early so I went on leave and was induced at 34 weeks. But... I had every complication in the book..morning sickness for 5 months, Gestational Diabetes, PIH, gallstones(had it removed when they were 3 weeks old), hemorrhaged at delivery and again at home 5 days out. and now.. good old Postpartum depression!!!

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Congratulations on the new babies! ...funny how you forget how teeny they come out as :chuckle They are precious!

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Specializes in Research,Peds,Neuro,Psych,.

I am over 31 weeks pregnant with our first girl (have 2 boys) and still working. However, I am not working 12 hour shifts on a busy floor. I am a research coordinator (8 hr. shifts) and do get a fair amount of sitting time. Days when I am in clinic, however, I do some running around and spend most of the time on my feet. I am keeping my fingers crossed that all will go well for 7 1/2 more weeks until my C-section... best of luck to the rest of you pregnant nurses!!

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I was working 3 12 hour shifts a week in ICU when I found out at 17 wks I was having triplets. I worked til 19 wks when I went on house arrest (bedrest). I did go back to work one shift a week at 8wks postpartum, my leave ran out. Now my 3 are 3 and I work registry in ER about 2-3 shifts a week, keeps me sane. lol:p

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I worked on my due date, 1cm dilated and 50 % effaced, and still didn't have her for 8 more days! Good luck to you, do what is comfortable, and no more. I refused CMV and respiratory isolations, but our team leaders were very good at arranging assignments to accomodate.

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Congratulations. Every pregnancy is unique -- discuss your work situation with your ob & get her input. Although one woman may be able to work up to the point of labor, another may need some time off before the baby. This is about YOU and your baby. Make your pregnancy your first priority -- and don't feel guilty about work. Take your breaks and lunch -- if you need to delegate, stay late, or pass on a dressing -- it's not the end of the world. Let your charge nurse know that you will be taking your break/lunch and need to have coverage. (I say this as a charge nurse who takes a full assignment & insist that the preggos take care of themselves and eat eat eat.....) Take care of yourself ... be kind to yourself ... and enjoy your pregnancy -- best wishes to you .....

P.S. I took one month off before my first baby -- it was the right decision for me.

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