Any vet tech mama's out there?

ksr339

Hello. Hope everyone's holidays were amazing. I was wondering if there are any vet tech mamas out there and how things are going foe you? What things are going through your minds? What concerns?

I will be 8 weeks monday and this is our first pregnancy for my husband and I. We are both really excited. My first prenatal appointment isn't until the 5th. I am a registered veterinary technician in ohio and would like to chat with other recently pregnant tech mamas.
I love my job and everything I do. But the concerns I have a work is that I am only 1 of three registered techs for a 5 doctor practice. This makes it hard when I still have to intubate. We have isoflurane and I don't put it on until I know the tube is placed and cuff is good. Any other suggestions? I would hate to wear a big bulky mask. Also taking x rays I try not to but if there is no none else I have been double gowning. Thoughts? Some people at work know already and try to help but I would like to wait to tell everyone until at least 12 weeeks. How is everyone else doing?

Kristin712

You might get some luck posting on the trimester boards (there's one for each tri) since it will reach a wider audience of pregnant ladies (or those who have been pregnant and still lurk around to help).

karaszoo1

Hi ! Ohio tech here too ! Over15 yrs !
Do u guys have a scavenger unit on ur machine ?maintain it properly etc ? My clinic has another registered tech besides myself and 3 assisitants. I will continue to do everything but xrays. The other tech kicked me out of surgery room tuesday because she smelled escaping Iso.lol I think she's a paranoid freak....bahahaa
this is my second pregnancy at this clinic (have a 16 mo old) and have worked with everyone for years so they all know already and my ob does the toxo test on me because of clinic and personal exposure but I'm not concerned.ill continue to care for cats, do cat appts etc. The staff will kick me out if its a known aggressive cat. I really have no concern as far as work goes the rest of staff is more concerned than I am. Last pregnancy I worked weds til 2pm had baby thurs at 4pm lol I never did any modified work or anything like that

Simpledesign629

Are you wearing a radiation badge? There is a certain amount that is considered safe for pregnant women, I don't remember the number off the top of my head. But if X-rays are part of your daily activity at work you should be wearing a radiation measuring badge

jmaser420

First time momma vet tech in nj and I mainly do surgery so just making sure the trachea tube is in place along with cuff before turning on gas if it needs to be masked than I try and come up with a different excuse I'm not doing X-rays and I'm not lifting heavy dogs but my old lift limit for myself was a 100lbs so I'm still lifting 50lb dogs for now I only told the doctors at my work so they all know and are helping me keep it a secret

Mickweezle

Hi! I am also a vet tech and am finding it difficult. My hospital is great about stepping up and making sure pregnant women are not at risk, especially using Iso or xrays. I was pregnant in august and it ended in a loss at 8 weeks...iI had told everyone in the practice about that pregnancy as soon as I found out, and it made it much harder for me after the loss. This pregnancy I really want to wait until at least 12 weeks but I am worried about mainly using iso and doing xrays. Not sure what to do....I know it's not safe but I also am not ready to aired the news. I have my first appointment January 6th and would like to ask my doctor about it then, but that's another 2 weeks away! Glad I'm not alone with these concerns!

ksr339

Mickweezle. Sounds like you and I are in a similar position! Your first appointment is the 6th? Cool mine is the 5th! I've already told the doctors and some techs but not everyone. I wish us both luck at work and for our pregnancy! Glad I'm not the only one out there!