pregnant, working wtih bone cement?

Specialties Operating Room

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I found out I am about 3 months pregnant. I have been in ortho working with bone cement. we have good airflow and have the mixing containers...I asked my dr and she said it was fine as long as the smell didnt make me sick. Now I have a co worker that is also pregnant and people are telling her to stay away from any cases where there is any cement because it could damage the baby.. I am very confused now, and worried. Anyone have any experiences, or know of any cases where problems occured? Thanks in advance!

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

Pretty much the unspoken rule where i work is if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you're not assigned to the total joint rooms, because bone cement is considered teratogenic.

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Stay out of cases using C-arm too.

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i know of x-ray techs that get wrap-arounds (special order) for pregnancy and they are ok with it. it is extremely heavy as it completely wraps you like a dress.

the cement thing is a no, no in most facilities. it may however be a “sacred cow”. polymethyl methacrylate is the ingredient that you smell in most bone cement. here is a link to the epa that gives the statistical data on it http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/chemfact/methy-sd.txt or the fda http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/ode/guidance/668.html#risks

but, why risk it?

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Specializes in ICU, SDU, OR, RR, Ortho, Hospice RN.

Awww I just wanted to say congratulations on your pregnancy.

Keep well and safe :)

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Oh, where are my manners! Congrats on your pregnancy!

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