6+5 weeks and worried

[Olofsdotter]

Hello, I’m a new member and I’ve seen some great advice on here and taken comfort in your shared experiences. Thank you 😊
Now to my question, I think I’m about 6+5 weeks, counting from my last period.
I’m working offshore on an oil rig where there is high noise, petroleum & chemical fumes and long days. We routinely have checks on the working environment where they measure exposure to said chemicals etc but it’s always below the “ safe limits”.
When you’re outside you can use breathing masks as extra protection as well.
The regulations state you can’t go offshore from week 24.
If I were to go to work on my next rotation it would be when I’m between 10-13 weeks and I’m worried I’ll harm the baby, isn’t those weeks up to 12 very sensitive??! I could use masks all the time I’m outside or near any chemicals but I’m still worried. I’m also worried about missing out on tests you need to do before the 13th week. It’s Christmas holidays so I won’t be able to get any scans before that. Or should I push to get to see a midwife before Xmas? When I’m about 7-8 weeks. Could a scan / any tests be done so early?
If I don’t got to work I’ll screw my colleagues over as they’ll have to cover my shift, too late to get a replacement in as I wouldn’t tell my employer before Xmas. I would have to lie about getting ill at the last minute as how can I already know I wouldn’t be coming to working on the 2nd of January?!
Has anyone been in a similar situation? Maybe working in a laboratory or any other job which would be considered “unsafe“ while pregnant?

Job wise - if you tell your employer they have to do a risk assessment which will identify if there are risks to you or baby and plan to minimise them or remove you from the situation. I told my employer at 5 weeks for that reason (low risk job but high stress and no breaks). Helped when sickness hit too.

With regards to scans etc. You can certainly push to see MW before you go for a booking appointment. If you have a scan at 8 weeks it’s not as accurate for dating purposes but will give you an idea. The combined testing for downs/Edwards has to be done before you are 14 weeks - they can do it after but it is less accurate. You could get around this by paying privately for a NIPT test which I believe can be done earlier than the NHS testing.

Congratulations on your pregnancy

My mum (in the late 80s) was told she couldn't work if pregnant at all on the oil rigs. I guess this must have changed a lot but hopefully due to more robust research and safety precautions and not just down to women's rights/equality etc

Thank you for your answers! I’ve got an appointment now on Thursday so then I should get some more advice and information. I still can’t believe I’m pregnant..