occupational exposure to anaesthetic gases whilst pregnant

[WillowsTree]

Hi all, I am not pregnant, but about to ttc so wasn't sure where to post this, sorry.

I currently work as part of the recovery team or theatre team once a week in the children's department. The children are anaesthetised with gas, and I would either be in theatre, or in recovery. One of the staff nurses today mentioned that they are not allowed to work in recovery when pregnant due to the associated risk of miscarriage related to gases. I had no idea about this and am about to start ttc.

Does anyone have any experience on this, or any advice on working in this environment when pregnant? Want to find out more without giving it away that I'm ttc.

Tia

hi I work in theatre and both times wen I was pregnant I wasnt allowed to work with kids in the first trimester. it is to do with the way the tubes and scavenger system works when anaesthetising children. I had to do a risk assessment for various chemicals and gases. maybe your hr will have experienced this problem before and would be able to give u more info of the whys and reasons behind. good luck ttc

I am sure there is quite strict Occupational Health guidance about this.

I am not really sure where I've got this from, but I seem to remember being told that MC rates are higher in anaesthesists than radiologists .
I'll go and have a look to see if I can back this up with anything, give me a mo'.

Meta-analysis showing increased risk with exposure to anaesthetic gases

"Conclusion: Epidemiological studies based on data obtained in the prescavenging era indicate an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. The estimated increased risk was not diminished but rather increased by exclusion of the more methodologically flawed studies."

Scroll down at bit

You may not want to discuss your plans TTC with your Occ Health department, but I'd certainly tell them ASAP.

Good luck x.

Thank you for the replies. Quite scary, glad I've found out sooner rather than later!