Has anyone taken a chem class while pregnant?

melaniedel

I am taking a chem class (going back for a second degree in nursing) and today was my first day. It's accelerated so three labs a week. They want me to sign a pg waiver form, and gave me a list of chemicals for my doctor to sign off on. I just faxed them over to him for review. My problem is although my doc is great, he is a bit loosey goosey it seems so I am going to do my own research as well. We didn't handle chemicals today and tomorrow will be very light as well, so that should buy me some time. I really wanted to knock this class out before the baby comes, but certainly not willing to put my LO's health at risk. Any feedback from knowlege and experience is appreciated! Thanks so much!

Danif88

I took a chem lab class while I was in my first trimester. The classroom I was in was well ventilated, I wore gloves, and goggles so I took as many precautions as possible. So far I've had a healthy pregnancy and the baby is just fine. I think the worst part of the class was not being able to sit since chairs were not allowed in the lab.

kmv68

My first pregnancy I worked in a histology lab and there was only one chemical we used that could be pretty harmful, so I avoided it when I could and otherwise always made sure I was in a hood when I used it.

Be careful, but don't freak out, women have been working in labs for years while pregnant.

bdutton0005

I was in a Microbiology class until the the first of this month, we handle some pretty nasty stuff, and I was ok. Honestly the professor should know of it would be ok or not. I asked my Dr he siad he though it would be fine but to check with the instructor first.

melaniedel

My doc just called back and said I'm fine-just don't drink it, lol. I will still wear a mask, etc. I will probably google every chemical tonight, too...sheesh. Thanks ladies!

kxp004

melaniedel:

My doc just called back and said I'm fine-just don't drink it, lol. I will still wear a mask, etc. I will probably google every chemical tonight, too...sheesh. Thanks ladies!

I wouldn't worry too much... I just graduated with my forensic chemistry degree and have been taking both chemistry and biology the entire 9 mo of pregnancy, and the year prior, another student (in my class) was pregnant and was in all the labs... If anything is harmful, they will (should) put it in the fume hood...

just don't inhale or drink anything lol... but that's a basic rule anyways..

Ashley33M

I agree with PP.  I'm a graduate student in medical research so I use chemicals everyday.  The experiments you do will tell you when you should be in the fume hood, and if you question it, do it anyway.  The chemicals I use everyday are fine, but like PP said, don't drink or bathe in them.  A problem you might have is just being sensitive to the smells of ok chemicals and reagents.  There are some things others use in the lab that are safe, but still make me gag.    Good luck!  

melaniedel

Thanks ladies!

genekelly

I'm a chemist and worked in lab until ~23 wks or so when i finally decided to take a break.  Many other women where I am have worked in lab before me all the way through their pregnancies(although now most choose to opt out of lab work).  With a general chem class, I think you'll be fine.  As PP said, make sure there is good ventilation and wear gloves and even a respirator if everyone in the class is doing work on the bench and not in hoods, particularly if there is heating or organic solvents being used.  HTH!