I am a nurse's aide and the job requires a lot of lifting, pushing, heaving, pulling, etc. I just found out recently that I'm pregnant (almost six weeks!) and am worried to death about hurting the baby. I've already told my boss about the pregnancy.
How much lifting is too much?
When do I need to start worrying about lifting and other heavy duty things at work (because I've already started worrying)?
I'm a full time student as well as worker, so going down to part time / light duty really isn't an option, unless absolutely necessary due to complications or what-have-you.
Any advice would be appreciated and welcomed! I'm a first time mommy and very nervous and overwhelmed (though becoming increasingly excited).
Re: Nursing assistant and pregnant
Hey!
I'm an RN and lift, pull, push, squat, run, skip...etc.. and my doctor had no restrictions to offer.
Your body is used to what you're doing, physically for the most part so you really shouldn't have to change - I mean, unless your doctor wants you to.
What type of nursing do you work in?
Thank you for the advice! I was so worried when I found out that I was pregnant that continuing to work would hurt the baby. I will talk to my doctor to make sure during my first appointment!
I'm in geriatrics; I'm an NA in a nursing home. I like it a lot more than I thought I would and hey, I'm all learned up in wiping butt and cleaning puke, pee, poo, and blood. :-)
My boss already knows, at least. She was one of the first people I told. I will probably ask for more help with transferring people and lifting when I get further along.
Thanks for all the replies and advice so far, everyone. I really appreciate it!
We had DD before I became a CNA and even thought about nursing school, so wiping babe toosh, flinging up her legs, wiping and slapping a diaper on was a cinch.
The first time i had to put a Depends on someone I just stood there thinking, How am I going to cross this persons leg and haul their bum off the bed, wipe and stick this "diaper" on them. Holy panic (and I was 27! duh!) hahaha
I have since come a long way - obviously.
hehe