Forum Pregnant and working

In healthcare

11 replies

Yvonne
Are there any ladies who are pregnant and work in healthcare? How do you handle it? I only found out a few days ago that I'm pregnant, but I'm already being very careful.

Replies

  1. Mam van Q #2

    Hi Yvonne,
    Congratulations on your pregnancy!
    I work in a hospital on the OR. So I told my supervisors right away when I found out I was pregnant. They take into account that I can't stand near certain surgeries.
    Do they know about it at your work yet?

  2. Edith #3

    Congratulations on your pregnancy! Coincidentally, there’s currently a thread in this subforum about working in a fast-food restaurant; at least that has something in common with your job, namely that it involves a lot of physical labor, standing, and walking. So maybe you’ll find my tip from that thread useful: There are regulations regarding the weight you’re allowed to lift as a pregnant woman and the maximum number of times you’re allowed to bend over per workday. See http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/gezond-en-veilig-werken/vraag-en-antwoord/waar-moet-ik-op-letten-als-ik-zwanger-ben-en-werk.html
    Furthermore, there are certain substances you’re no longer allowed to work with, as well as radioactivity. If that’s part of your job, it’s best to inform your boss about your pregnancy as soon as possible. See here: http://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/gezond-en-veilig-werken/vraag-en-antwoord/is-werken-met-chemische-stoffen-straling-of-virussen-gevaarlijk-als-ik-zwanger-ben.html

  3. Yvonne started this #4

    My supervisor knows by now. Some of my colleagues do too. I'm careful with lifting and bending, and I wear gloves for every care task, use hand sanitizer after each care task, and wash my hands often.

  4. Edith #5

    In principle, 'ordinary' illnesses aren't dangerous for you during pregnancy, but of course they're extra unpleasant. Your body has better things to do than fight off all sorts of viruses and germs. So (some extra) hygiene is definitely not a bad idea. But there are a few illnesses, like listeria and rubella, that can be dangerous for an unborn baby – do discuss that with your midwife.

    You might also consider getting a flu shot if you haven't already. The flu often runs more severely during pregnancy, and there's a slightly increased chance of ending up in the hospital because of it. Plus, you're helping your baby with that vaccination, since they'll receive antibodies through the placenta later in the pregnancy, giving them some protection right from birth. In Belgium, a flu shot is routinely offered to pregnant women for this reason. You'll probably also be offered it through your workplace.

  5. juwie #6

    Hi there, I work in home care and I'm now 24 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, I can no longer do the job because it's too heavy to handle the clients alone—that's the downside of home care So now I'm on sick leave. My advice: stay honest, take it easy, and if it's no longer possible, then it's just not possible anymore!! You also shouldn't lift heavy things or bend over anymore, etc. At some point, it really becomes a no-go. Good luck, greetings!

  6. Lala120 #7

    Congratulations on your pregnancy!
    I’ve known for 3 days that I’m 3 weeks pregnant.
    I work in a nursing home, so I’m careful with infections.
    I always wear gloves and wash my hands a lot + use alcohol.
    As for lifting, I still do everything.

    Greetings!

  7. Yvonne #8

    Hi, congratulations on your pregnancy! I also work in healthcare and I'm around 10 weeks pregnant, hopefully. First check-up in two weeks. I think it's really important to think about your posture during the day so you put as little strain on your body as possible. I'm doing night shifts, I don't know if you work those too? Personally, I don't find it nice anymore to work those during my pregnancy and I'm going to discuss that.

  8. Jacqueline Guest #9

    I have a son who's just over 4.5 months old, but I also work in care with severely multiply disabled young people, so it's physically quite demanding work. I worked right up until I went on leave at 34 weeks. It was actually still quite manageable, although I was completely exhausted after longer shifts. I tried to bend as little as possible and avoid physical strain as much as I could. During my pregnancy, stomach flu broke out in the group, so I immediately put on a face mask, gloves, and an apron just to be safe, and luckily I didn't get sick.

  9. Lala120 #10

    It's already morning and I'm 30 weeks pregnant.
    Unfortunately, I had to stop working because it just became too heavy.
    I'm having a lot of trouble with my pelvis.
    Respect to those who make it to the end!

  10. Anonymous Guest #11

    When should you stop in healthcare?

  11. kimmetje #12

    Principle: 6 weeks before or 4 weeks before is just the standard procedure, but this isn't always sustainable in healthcare.

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