Kick to the stomach

[latimer1234]

I work in a residential care home with the elderly who have Alzheimer's and dementia.
Tonight whilst helping Patient A who hates sleeping in his bed I made him comfortable in the lounge and have been instructed to keep his feet elevated at all times due to swelling, now Patient A has a hearing impairment whilst trying to wake him so I could move his feet, he then kicked me twice in the lower stomach which whilst being 12 weeks pregnant was s complete shock, not to mention Patient A has never has a history of violence previously, I called for my colleague to assist me and I was visibly upset, he then punched my colleague around the head when she wasn't looking and he walked off.

I've contacted my manager as I'm worried my baby could be harmed, my manager said that I can't go home nor to the hospital as ' people with dementia don't have capacity, and that I signed up for the job before I fell pregnant so should be aware of the risks by now'

I'm not in any pain, just teary and emotional as the kick was hard enough for me to worry, has anyone else suffered any kicks or punches during pregnancy and everything has been fine?

I'm also disappointed with my employers with being so so ignorant with this whole situation as regardless, I don't deserve to be kicked due to the job I'm doing.

I haven't had any cramping or bleeding, so assuming I am fine, just very anxious as this is my first pregnancy and im just worried.

Thankyou all x

That's awful OP, I hope you're okay. I'd ring the hospital when you can and get some advice to put your mind at ease. I got hit in the stomach in work with a heavy tray of food when I was about 16 weeks, it bloody hurt me but baby was absolutely fine! Someone said to me a baby in the uterus is like an apricot inside a balloon filled with water - very well protected and not easily harmed! X

Also your employers reaction is shocking, that needs sorting out. Have you done a workplace risk assessment?

So sorry to hear this has happened. Can understand if you're feeling upset and vulnerable. I think foetuses can take a lot-surviving in war zones etc. Your body is designed to support life and at 12 weeks your baby is probably not big enough to be impacted by kicks. But if you are in any way concerned go to an epu. Good luck.

I'm incredibly shocked at your managers response as having worked in residential homes and been pregnant while working in a risky job it is definitely not the case that you 'signed up for it'.
I think you need to take that higher within your organisation and make sure you get an appropriate risk assessment. I worked in homes for a long time and getting hurt wasn't a 'norm' and when it happened it was looked at and risk assessments took place with plans to reduce risk.
At 12 weeks your baby will be very little and well protected but for your own sake go and get checked and if you're still at work tell your manager you're going and give them no choice.

Echoing the above comments.

I'd also insist on a injury report.

You have to challenge this, what they've said isn't correct.

The reason for the compulsory risk assessments employees must carry out as soon as they know you're pregnant is because any job carries risks and risks that may mean you can't undertake your normal duties.

I'm also wondering whether this also needs to be reported in the accident book.

If I were you, id call my midwife and ask their advice. They may be able to offer you another scan just to check everything is ok.

Employers* not employees

I think your manager needs to look into their H&S legal responsibilities as they are completely in the wrong here. Their response is shocking.

Get yourself checked out, as others say you and baby are most likely completely fine, but you (or your manager!) are not qualified to make that assessment.

Your manager needs to educate themselves on risk assessment- they do need to do one once you're pregnant, and no one signs up for a job to be hurt!
Is there someone you could complain to about the treatment you received from your manager?

Hi op I'm late to the thread but please get yourself checked out in case you need the anti-d injection or anything

OP how are you? What did you do in end?
Previous posters are right, your managers response is uncalled for and illegal.
Hope all is ok

How are you OP?

I fell in my bump at about 6 months and was fine. The impact on the baby was probably minimal because of amniotic fluid and flesh, muscle etc taking the impact.

That said, any concerns you should ring your midwife. Any concerns at all.

On not in

Yes I fell on my bump at 26 weeks (so later on I know). But all was ok.

Thinking of you - get reassurance if you need it, nothing wrong with being careful x

Hi everyone thankyou all for your advice,
Had no pain and no bleeding but was just concerned due to being kicked that was quite hard, spoke to 111 who said that if I am to bleed, cramp or feel dizzy to go to a+e immediately but I've had nothing so I'm hoping this is a good sign,
Getting grief from work for not going in for tonight's shifts, but if I'm honest that's the least of my concerns.
Waiting for a call back from the EPU in the morning to hopefully advice me further so preying that baby is okay.
Thankyou all for all your advice and help xx

Please raise this with your Union or failing that a more senior manager, OP.

Your manager has failed in their duty to provide a safe working environment after assessing any potential risks yo you and your pregnancy.

Something similar happened to me at seven months (service user was verbally abusive and threatening, but didn't touch me) and management knew they'd cocked up by putting me in that position- they've bent over backwards to make sure it wouldn't happen again.

That's awful how they've handled the situation, and a shock for you! Id raise the issues and ask for a risk assessment. As someone who's worked in care this isn't acceptable. Hope your OK

That's awful how they've handled the situation, and a shock for you! Id raise the issues and ask for a risk assessment. As someone who's worked in care this isn't acceptable. Hope your OK

How are you OP?