not sure where to post this ?..pregnant?

jbjelus1 · Nov 12, 2009

You should inquire about your facility's policy regarding this issue. When I was pregnant I didn't lift any patients and I my patients assignments were chosen very carefully. Although some nurses would handle patients on contact precautions as soon as I found out that I was pregnant I was fortunate to have staff members that would work with me and take any isolation patients that i may have been assigned.

jessiern, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2009

I just went on bedrest after 36 weeks due to BP issues. Regarding lifting, I changed my habits very little aside from being very aware of proper body mechanics (loose joints make it easier to injure yourself). Some of the heavier patients I didn't lift, but more of that was due to co-workers being uncomfortable with my assisting them. I've never had any spotting or problems after lifting, but in nursing if you "do it right" and get the help you need, you aren't lifting too much.

As for contact, our floor usually requires pregnant mothers to cont taking isolation patients. Their theory is that if you use proper precautions you are not at risk. Once flu season hit though, they were very careful to keep me away from flu patients since pregnant woman seem to have so much trouble with. I also was not given patients with shingles. Other then that, I cont'd to care for patients like before...just a little slower getting down the hall by the end!!!

I recommend telling at least your supervisors early, as it is hard to hide morning sickness and raging hormones early on. Also, any concerns regarding lifting need to be talked about with your OB, which is what I did very early on. They will let you know any precautions you need to take, and some will be more relaxed on restrictions than others are.

Southern Fried RN · Nov 12, 2009

Ditto the shingles, and stay away from people who are suspected of having H1N1! I'd be wary of any patient who is a potential carrier of CMV. If you contract CMV while pregnant it can cause severe neurologic damage to the baby.

I am currently pregnant--very early--and I have one child already. I worked with the first one and I had to be on light duty because of a placenta previa that tried to partially abrupt! I was in ICU at the time with wonderful co-workers that helped out with the pulling and turning. I'd help with out by doing things like the chart for new admissions or putting in everyone's orders. I feel really lucky that I had such co-workers and a manager who was understanding.

When I worked in PACU, there was a pregnant nurse who was put on light duty. That NM would not accommodate her and she had to transfer to a chart audit job. This was the same hospital and so I was surprised that my NM was so good about it and the other one wasn't. The PACU nurses were more than willing to cover the heavy lifting for that nurse, so that wasn't even the issue.

I have not told anyone at work yet about my pregnancy. I don't see a need to at this point. In fact only a few close people know I am pregnant because I am afraid of miscarriage. I don't believe I will jinx myself, but I just don't want to have awkward conversations if do.

As far as the lifting, just be careful and don't do more than you normally do. And if you're the type of nurse who turns pts alone, don't do that and ask for help. Ask your OB for the best advice, s/he knows you and your pregnancy situation better than people on the internet.

KneKno · Nov 12, 2009

I'd rather take care of the patient already in isolation. It beats coming back next week and finding out that you "should have" been wearing a mask!

Neveranurseagain, RN · Nov 12, 2009

Check with your ob. When I was pregnant I couldn't take care of pts with FUO, or rashes. Also, you should start taking a prenatal vitamin with Folic Acid BEFORE you start trying to get pregnant.

dancingdoula · Nov 12, 2009

I work in NICU so not a lot of heavy lifting there;) As far as contact... it depends on the bug. No H1N1 or CMV patients but MRSA or VRE are fine if you use your precautions correctly. I'd just be careful and sit as much as you possibly can (LOL) I just had to go out at only 28 weeks because my uterus would go into spasm just from being on my feet too much (3 12 hour shifts in a row did it:( ) Now I'm on strict bed rest... it's not worth it to put your baby at risk! Take the easy way whenever possible!!!