pregnant at work

 Information Sheet No. 18

Monash University is committed to providing employees and students with a healthy and safe environment for work and study. The University recognises that for those who are pregnant or breast-feeding, precautions in addition to normal safe work procedures and practices may be required. This information sheet provides a summary of potential areas of concern for who are considering pregnancy, who are pregnant or who are breast-feeding.
Working with Chemicals

Inhalation is the most common route of exposure to chemicals in the typical working environment at Monash University. The use of safe work procedures and facilities such as local exhaust ventilation will provide protection. Skin absorption and ingestion are generally less significant routes of exposure, provided safe work practices are observed. At Monash University, everyone is required to use appropriate safe work procedures when handling chemicals.

Exposure to chemicals at levels below recognised exposure limits should not present a risk to you or your foetus during pregnancy or while breast-feeding, however once you know you are pregnant, you are encouraged to advise your supervisor or the Occupational Health Nurse as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about a chemical you are using, or the procedures for its safe use during pregnancy or while you are breast-feeding, you should seek advice straight away.
Working with Animals

If you work with animals you have an increased risk of acquiring infections from animals. While maintaining safe work procedures can reduce the risk of infection, special care must be taken to prevent infections that could have serious effects on foetal development. For example, cats may harbour Toxoplasma gondii while pregnant sheep may carry Chlamydia psittaci. If you work with cats or sheep, or with any animal which you feel may adversely affect your pregnancy, you should seek advice straight away.
Immunizations

Employees in certain work groups are advised to have vaccinations to protect against infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis A, rabies, meningococcal meningitis, typhoid, Q fever and tuberculosis. If you are considering becoming pregnant, you should speak with your doctor about the kind of work you do and your immunization status. Ideally you should have all the vaccinations you require for your work environment prior to becoming pregnant.

Most vaccinations should not be given during pregnancy but some are regarded as safe while breast-feeding. If you have any concerns about immunization that may be required for your work, you should seek advice straight away.
Working with Ionising Radiation

Levels of exposure to ionizing radiation that do not harm a pregnant woman may harm the developing foetus, particularly between 8 - 25 weeks gestation. As many women are uncertain of their conception during the early weeks of pregnancy, special consideration must be given to the use of ionizing radiation. It is very important for you and your foetus that you notify your Supervisor or Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or Occupational Health as soon as you can, to ensure that your work is assessed and modifications promptly made to reduce radiation exposure.

If your work includes using ionizing radiation and you become pregnant, you have a choice to either continue working with ionizing radiation or take on other tasks. It is possible to work with ionizing radiation provided that Occupational Health has undertaken an assessment and has defined the actions that must be taken to ensure that the risk to you and your foetus is as low as possible. If you work with non-ionizing radiation and you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, then you should seek advice.

 Being pregnant is one of the most exciting times for mums and dads-to-be. During this time, mums-to-be are likely to rely on friends and family to support and guide them through all the changes to their body and lifestyle. But have you considered at all the role the workplace can play in helping to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

Tommy's runs a highly respected Pregnancy Accreditation Programme which aims to ensure all pregnant employees stay healthy. The Pregnancy Accreditation Programme recognises that a healthy pregnancy at the workplace is a team effort, so both employee and manager need to work together.

The Programme has reached over 300,000 working women and has attracted member companies - large and small - from retail to banking to education.

pregnancy Week 1

Mother

Your last period has just started and you may be considering a pregnancy. Preconceptional health planning is a good idea. However, if you haven't started before now, make sure that you "act pregnant" until you know other wise. Taking a prenatal vitamin, with 0.4 mg of folic acid (to help prevent neural tube defects) is a good idea. Discontinuing any form of chemical birth control, and avoiding other chemicals such as: alcohol, tobacco (even second hand smoke), x-rays, over the counter medications, and even discussing the prescription medications you are currently taking.

pregnancy week 2

Mother
Your uterine lining is thickening, and ovulation is getting ready to occur. Some women will actually feel ovulation, with a one sided pain called mittleschmerz (literally meaning middle pain). Getting to know your family's medical history is very important. About 75% of complications with pregnancy and birth can be identified at the first visit. Also learn more about getting pregnant and preconceptional health.

pregnancy week 3

Mother
You have ovulated and have now been exposed to sperm! When the egg implants some women have a tiny bit of spotting called implantation bleeding, where the egg burrows into the uterine lining, shedding a bit. This is nothing to worry about. Your body also releases an immunosuppressant protein called Early Pregnancy Factor (EPF) to prevent your body from seeing the baby as an invader.

pregnancy week 4

Taking root! Implantation occurs. Once the blastocyst gets to the uterus, it searches for a spot to settle down. Blastocyst means "sprout pouch," and these cells begin to divide into two groups - those that form the placenta and those that form the baby. The blastocyst will burrow itself into the lining of the uterus which is called implantation.

Multiples: Same as above times two, or three, etc. See week three for more information on twinning.

Maternal Changes: At the end of this week, you'll be expecting your period (or hoping it won't come if you've planned your pregnancy). Some of the first pregnancy symptoms are very similar to those experienced at the time your period is due such as fatigue, breast soreness and mood swings. You may be feeling these things and thinking "I guess it didn't happen this month." Just wait a few days . . .

Multiples: You probably aren't even thinking twins yet unless you've had infertility treatments. Your symptoms will be similar to singleton moms but intensified.

pregnancy week 5

Fetal Development: The developing embryo has three layers. In the top layer (ectoderm), the neural tube will form which will further develop into the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, skin and hair). In the middle layer (mesoderm), the heart and circulatory system, bones, muscles, kidneys and reproductive organs will develop - eventually. At this stage, however, the heart and primitive circulatory system will rapidly form. In fact, the circulatory system is the first organ system to function. In the inner layer (endoderm), a simple tube will develop into the intestines, liver, pancreas and bladder.

Maternal Changes:
Your period is late and you may be wondering if you're pregnant. There are many home pregnancy test kits available that are fairly reliable a few days after a missed period.

The hormonal changes that come with pregnancy may cause your breasts to be swollen and tender as the milk glands multiply. You may feel hungry often or nauseated as morning sickness kicks in. Your growing uterus will begin to press on your bladder causing frequent trips to the bathroom. Not only do these symptoms vary in intensity from woman to woman but also from pregnancy to pregnancy in the same woman.

Multiples: Your appetite will probably shift into high gear as you need about 1 1/2 times the calories as a singleton mom. Fatigue may also be taking its toll. Rest and eat!

pregnancy week 6

Fetal Development: My Heart Belongs to You!
The first heartbeats have begun! The baby is now an embryo and is about 1/17 of an inch long. Growth is very rapid this week. The umbilical cord develops. The eyes and ears begin to form as well as an opening for the mouth. The heart has begun to pump blood and most of the other organs are well under construction. Buds form on the body that will become the arms and legs.

Exciting week!

Multiples: Same as for singletons.

Maternal Changes:
This week tends to bring on the nausea. Morning sickness is a constant companion any time of the day. You may be craving certain foods while the very thought of other foods will send you to the porcelain goddess.

Because this is a critical time in your baby's organ development, avoid alcohol, substances, drugs, and treatments (perms, hair coloring, manicures, etc.) that you don't really need. If you haven't yet, make your first prenatal appointment with your care provider.

Multiples: Morning sickness can be very severe with multiples' pregnancies. Since your fluid requirements have increased, be sure to drink lots of water to keep hydrated when the vomiting is severe. Contact your care provider if you have any concerns at all.

pregnancy week 7

Fetal Development:  I'm Tiny But Gaining Fast!
The baby is about 1/3 of an inch, the size of a grain of rice. Development of the arms and legs continue although the fingers and toes haven't yet formed. The brain is growing as well as the lenses of the eyes, nostrils, intestines, pancreas and bronchi.

Maternal Changes:
 This week tends to be like last week with the usual symptoms of early pregnancy continuing. You're not showing yet and may have lost a few pounds or gained a few pounds. Both are normal at this stage.

pregnancy week 8

Fetal Development:  An ultrasound done at this stage should show a fluttering heartbeat. Elbows begin to form in the arms and fingers start to develop. The leg buds begin to show feet with tiny notches for the toes. The face continues to change as the ears, eyes and the tip of the nose appear. The intestines start to form in the umbilical cord. Teeth develop under the gums.

Multiples: Your babies are developing at the same rate as singletons and each are about the length of two grains of rice.

Maternal Changes:
 Your uterus is the size of an orange now, and you may find your waistline expanding. If this is your first pregnancy, you're probably not showing. If it's not your first, you may have a "pooch" already. You will tend to show earlier in subsequent pregnancies since your muscles and ligaments aren't so tight.

You may be feeling like a teenager if you find yourself with pimples and other skin problems. Don't fret ~ pregnancy causes an increase in oil secretions not to mention those rampant hormones! Your break-outs will go away either after the first trimester as your hormones level off or after delivery.

Multiples: Your breasts are probably very tender and swollen, and your tummy is probably starting to "pooch out," particularly if you've been pregnant before.

pregnancy week 9

Fetal Development:  Cartilage and bones begin to form. The basic structure of the eye is well underway and the tongue begins to develop. The intestines start to move out of the umbilical cord and into the abdomen as the body grows and makes room. The fingers and thumb have appeared but are short and webbed.

Multiples: The babies are developing just like singleton babies. Each baby is about one gram in weight and about the same size as singleton babies.
Maternal Changes:
 You're missing your second period this week. Your breasts may be fuller now than ever before and may feel very sensitive. Wearing a supportive bra can ease some of the tenderness. Your waistline may be growing and you may experience some heartburn and indigestion as your body adjusts to pregnancy hormones.

pregnancy week 10

Fetal Development:  I'm Swimming! The baby has begun moving inside the womb although it's too small for mom to notice. Most of the joints are formed now - elbow, wrist, knee, shoulder, and ankle as well as the hands, fingers, feet and toes.

Maternal Changes:
 The morning sickness may start to ease a bit. This week, we'll blame moodiness and a blotchy complexion on those wild hormones. Have heart ~ this is only temporary.

Your blood volume will increase 40%-50% during pregnancy. As a result, you may start to notice your veins more, particularly in your tummy, breasts, and legs.
 

Weight Gain:
 The amount of weight pregnant women gain varies from woman to woman and even pregnancy to pregnancy in each woman. Your pre-pregnancy weight affects how much you should gain during pregnancy. Here are some guidelines but keep in mind, the numbers don't count as much as the food you eat. If you consume nutritious food in adequate quantities, you'll be eating good enough for your baby. If you gain more than these recommended amounts but have eaten healthy foods, chances are the weight will come off easily and quickly after delivery. Remember - do NOT diet during pregnancy! Eat wisely!

Weight Gain for Singleton Momspre-pregnancy weight     acceptable gain in pounds
underweight  30 to 40
normal weight  25 to 35
overweight  15 to 25

Weight Gain for Twin Moms
Higher Order Multiples Moms, Contact the Triplet Connection pre-pregnancy weight     acceptable gain in pounds
underweight  40 to 50
normal weight  35 to 45
overweight  25 to 35

Where Does the Weight Go? (Singletons)baby     7.5 lbs
uterus  2.0 lbs
placenta  1.5 lbs
breasts  2.0 lbs
blood & fluid  8.0 lbs
fat  7.0 lbs

pregnancy week 11

Fetal Development:  I'm a Fetus!
Starting with this week, the baby is now called a fetus. The most critical part of the baby's development is over. This is a period of rapid growth, and the baby is about an inch or so in length at the beginning of the week and will be about 2 inches by the end of the week. The baby's head is about half its length. The eyelids will fuse shut, and the irises will begin to develop. Sometime during this week or the next week, blood will begin to circulate between the baby and uterus and the placenta starts to function.

Maternal Changes:
 Your uterus is the size of a small grapefruit already! You may find that your appetite is better as your nausea subsides even though certain smells may bother you.

Multiples: Morning sickness is probably still bothersome with nausea alternating between having a ravenous appetite.

Prenatal Testing:
 You may have already discussed prenatal testing with your caregiver, and you've probably had a few of the tests done. Learn as much as you can about these tests ~ many can alleviate your fears about the health and well-being of your baby; some may cause more stress than they're worth. Do your homework on prenatal diagnostic testing and remember that you do NOT have to have any test you don't want.

pregnancy week 12

Fetal Development:  By this point, nearly all of the organs and structures of the fetus are formed. They will continue to grow and develop until delivery. Fingers and toes have separated and hair and nails begin to grow. The genitals begin to take on their gender characteristics. Amniotic fluid begins to accumulate as the baby's kidneys begin to produce and excrete urine. The muscles in the intestinal walls begin to practice peristalsis - contractions within the intestines that digest food.
Maternal Changes:
 Around this week, your uterus will shift up and forward as it grows. The good news is it won't be pressing on your bladder so much and those bathroom visits will get less frequent. Enjoy this while you can because by the third trimester, the uterus will grow large enough to sit on your bladder once again.

Morning sickness is usually getting better by this time, and you may be less tired. Headaches and light-headedness are common now thanks to the increased blood volume but be sure to discuss these symptoms with your care provider.