Rotating shifts during pregnancy

Lena122

I work 12 hour rotating shifts, 2 weeks of days and 2 weeks of nights. I'm a little concerned with the affect of the sleep deprivation on my pregnancy, particularly when I work nights. At the end of each "week" I'm often awake for over 24 hours. So this could happen on 3 different days in a 2 week period. In addition to that I often take Tylenol or Advil PM to help me sleep during the day when I'm on nights. Although they're both considered safe for pregnancy, I'm sure extended use when pregnant isn't good.

I'll ask my doctor about it at my appointment in a few weeks but in the meantime I'd appreciate any opinions or experiences you all have with a rotating schedule like this.

belladonna11307

I have a two week rotation, but my shifts are only 8.5 hours long.  When I was pregnant and on second shift I pretty worked and slept.  I'd definately talk to your doctor about the stress the lack of sleep is going to put on your body and if a change in schedule might be a good idea.

emberlee3

I worked 30 hour shifts every 3rd or 4th night during my first pregnancy. I was awake for 3236 hours 2 to 3 times per week.
I had a totally uncomplicated pregnancy and delivered at 39w6d.
Tylenol PM is just Tylenol and Benadryl, so it's fine.

emberlee3

Advil is NOT safe during pregnancy.

mattnrachel

I worked a rotating shift during pregnancy, but it was 4 weeks of 7am-3pm and 4 weeks of 3pm-11pm.  I did it up until about 6 months or so.  The day shift was harder for me because I just wasn't able to sleep at night.  My work was agreeable to letting me work only evening shifts (with a doctor's note), so that what I did for the remainder.