Forum Medical

Working and being pregnant

18 replies

Jolien
Hi there, I'm new here.
I found out this Friday that I'm pregnant.
And it's our first baby.
I'm pretty worried.
I work in a paint shop, so I'm in daily contact with 1L, 4L, and 10L cans, which I also have to lift and move.
But it's not just that. Also white spirit and synthetic paints.
The past few weeks at work have been really tough due to a mistake.
So I've been feeling rough for 2.5 weeks already. I just don't feel like it anymore and don't enjoy going to work.
I'm crying a lot.
I'm now about 3-4 weeks along.
And I don't know if it's okay to tell my boss yet. Because of the mistake in the past few weeks, and also because she's leaving the company in January.
But I'm worried about the chemicals in the synthetic paints.

I don't know what to do right now and hope for your support/advice.
I'm going to the doctor this evening for my blood test to be sure. But my periods were regular, and now I haven't had them. (It should have come on Thursday.)
So I'm pretty sure it's real. But now what?
Help

Replies

  1. Mimi Guest #2

    Do you really need the money? Or can you manage without it?
    I’d personally definitely put your baby first and share it with your boss in the second case. Maybe they’ll react positively and make sure you’re exposed as little as possible!
    In the first case, it’s trickier. Can you share it with a colleague so they can subtly take over if you really have direct exposure?

    Congratulations !!!

  2. Jolien started this #3

    I actually do need the money, yes, we're working on a new build.
    My colleagues know about it, so I think they might take it into account.
    I hope I can wear a mask and pass on the synthetic paints and also the 10L pots to my colleagues.
    Hopefully, those 4L ones will still go

  3. Anonymous Guest #4

    Actually, lifting 10l and 4l yourself isn't a big deal at the start. Unless you're really lifting 100 jars per day or something... But a few times a day is no big deal. Women who already have kids also lift those up, and they're often heavier than 10kg.
    But the chemical smell seems worse to me... A mask would be a good idea.

  4. Jolien started this #5

    Hi, thanks for your reply.
    I just got back from the doctor, and they said I should tell my boss quickly.
    I'm really nervous

  5. pramba Guest #6

    Phew, I totally get the nerves!!

    Imagine you're the boss... and there's a pregnant woman around and you don't know, but something goes wrong... and you later hear it's because of those chemical substances... What would you think then?

    What are the rules regarding pregnancy according to the CAO (Collective Labour Agreement)?

    In your conversation with your boss, you can also mention that it feels really awkward, especially after that mistake. Maybe this also opens up a conversation about it and lightens the mood..

    Good luck!!!

  6. Orchidea #7

    Indeed, in this case, inform your boss as soon as possible, for the health of you and your child. If you have a nice, empathetic boss, he will think with you about a solution; he can't fire you at the moment.

  7. Anonymous Guest #8

    You could also make an appointment with the occupational health doctor and get some advice.
    They have professional confidentiality and might be able to advise you on doing adapted work.

  8. Jolien started this #9

    Hi, thanks for that I fear that adjusted work will be difficult.

  9. Orchidea #10

    Jolien, I get that it's tough for your boss/manager, but he'll have to come up with solutions. Maybe you can work from home, or stay at home until your delivery, but he can't fire you—you're protected by law since you're pregnant. If your contract ends, he doesn't have to renew it, and then it's okay. Just keep that in mind.

  10. Jolien started this #11

    I have a permanent contract, so he can't do that

  11. Orchidea #12

    That's great, don't worry, enjoy it!

  12. Anonymous Guest #13

    From the moment he told you, the boss is responsible for providing suitable/alternative work where you and your child are not at risk. (At least in NL) In case of work with chemicals (so also paint and thinners etc.), he should accommodate that.

  13. Jolien started this #14

    I have to go to Medi, he was supposed to make an appointment, but I've been waiting for over a week for a simple appointment he was supposed to make.

  14. Jolien started this #15

    Hi all, just to keep you updated.
    I have to stay home every day until I give birth.
    The machines should be in a closed-off area and I’m not allowed to come into contact with synthetic paints.
    Which was impossible.
    The person who examined me at Medi Wed spent 45 minutes on the phone with my boss.
    My boss, obviously, was furious.
    He made some comments that I really didn’t appreciate.
    But I’m just going to ignore it. I’m already staying home for sure until September.
    So he can just leave me alone. He should’ve thought twice before saying all those nasty things.

  15. Anonymous Guest #16

    Wow, that he reacted like that. But it's nice that they support you—you're in the right!

  16. Mimi #17

    Oh no. That's really sad he doesn't support you. Are you going back after that?

  17. Jolien started this #18

    Yes, I'm going back. They're leaving the company in 2020 and retiring. So just gotta grit my teeth for a bit!

  18. Mimi #19

    Ah, that's at least nice then

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