2weeks pregnant and working in a high risk environment.. help...

[summer4881]

Hi all,

I got a BFP this morning which I am totally thrilled about!

Only concern is I work as a Vet Nurse which involves working with anaesthetics, X-rays and lifting a lot!
I know these things are high risk during the early stages of pregnancy so I just wondered what kind of time I should tell my work.

I tried to make an apt with my doctor but the receptionist said I have to wait until I'm 8 weeks... anyone else is similar situation... I don't want to put myself at risk but don't really want everyone knowing so early...

Xx

I was in a similar position with DD. I just had to go in to work on Monday morning and tell my boss. I was immediately moved to a different department which may not be as easy for you. I was uncomfortable with everybody at work knowing so early but I didn't have a choice.

Hopefully your boss will be able to make sure you can avoid the more risky procedures during your pregnancy and it works out. Congratulations!

You need to tell them straight away. I'm a paramedic and told them immediately as I cannot work on the road when pregnant as too high risk. I work in a hospital too and respond to emergencies and some of them are in Rooms with lots of X-rays. You definitely should tell them as they'll have to make provisions

You need to tell your boss now as they need to take some precautions right form the start.

Appointment with the doctor is different (and it won't confirm that you are pregnant anyway - they will just take your word for it).

But please don't wait too long as you will regret it for ever if (and that's a VERY big if) something happens at the start of your pregnancy.

Lifting is less of a risk but drugs/x-ray precautions should be in place for all women of childbearing age.

Thanks for all your comments.
I'm concerned as tomorrow we have 2 rabbit operations which involve masked anaesthetics (more likely to leak into the room) and I am the only nurse in!

It feels way to early to tell them as I've only found out myself today and only worked here since January! But I'm stressing!

I'd only. Even at work for one week before I told my boss 🙈 Was really worried they'd think I knew but I was so stunned, I think they believed me. My job involved really heavy lifting and I'd been smoking, which I stopped immediately so I think they believed me.

These anaesthetics sound rather unpleasant for early pregnancy so you really need to tell him. What if the worst were to happen, perhaps naturally, but you'll always be thinking 'what if?'

What if you were ill tomorrow anyway? He must have some contingency.

@summer4881 you need to tell them! It's the responsible thing to do and you'll be too worried about the gases? Does it really matter if people know? I told my work as soon as I found out and people are very understanding!

Op you are probably 4weeks give or take, as it is dated from first day of last period, not conception.

Given concerns, you're going to have to tell work so they can make adjustments

What arbrighton said. You're not two weeks pg.
You don't have to tell everyone but you do need to tell your boss. You need to avoid anything that could be a risk.

Tell your employer. Hey have a legal duty to carry out a risk assessment regarding your duties during pregnancy, and how to manage them. Obviously, they can't make any mitigating adjustments if they don't know.

Tell your employer. I'd only been working for mine 5 weeks when I had to tell them!!!! Also, those first 12 weeks are vital as baby is forming, it's so important not to expose yourself to any risks at this time.

Hi. Congrats. I agree with PPs I work in anaesthetics and we can't work with gas inductions in pregnancy, just tell your boss. Don't worry about what they will think, they can only help you protect your pregnancy if they know.

Hi OP

Echoing previous posters, just tell your boss. I work in a lab with lots of solvents/teratogens so told my boss the day after we found out (5 weeks so about a week after you). I was immediately removed from the lab with risk assessment done etc. Work won't want to put you at risk so best to tell them asap.

I told my boss a few days after I found out (which was as early as you) due to nature of job so that my role could be appropriately adjusted. My boss knew before I'd had booking in appointment with midwife or seen gp.
I'd take no risk if I was you! X