7 weeks pregnant, working nights?

Question

I just found out yesterday that I am about 7 weeks pregnant. Unfortunately, I also just started working a new job, 3rd shift. Most of the days that I work, I am unable to sleep during the day after I get home because I have an 11 month old to watch all day. It has been really hard on me, especially the past week, as I have been getting bad migraines and morning sickness. I was wondering if this extreme lack of sleep could also be harmful to my baby? Does anyone have any suggestions about how to deal with this situation? I didn't work during my last pregnancy and I am finding that it is very hard to do. Will it get easier/ safer for my baby after the first trimester? Any tips or relevant info is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

i had severe insomnia with my first pregnancy, i'd go for 3 days with 1 or 2 hours sleep, even went into labour after 3 sleepless nights!!! Besides headaches, and a bit of loss in concentration, i and baby were just fine. If it is worrying you that much, you should maybe quit this job and get one with more suitable hours. i am so thankful that i havent got insomnia with this pregnancy, but i'm up 2 times a night anyway with my 6 month old!! Goodluck, if you can afford not to work at all, dont!!

Answer 2

i am not working when i got pregnant and its really good for me because im sooo relax thats why it affects my baby..she was born healthy evethough she is only 36 weeks (beyond preemie because no space to my tummy im only 4'10" ). =)

i never had migraine and never had morning sickness..im always okay when i wake up and not picky in food..

maybe lack of sleep makes your pregnancy thing get worst.. please tell your employer to change your watch into days..eat healthy foods and take vitamins thats has 100% folic acid, and drink lots and lots of water.. very important

Answer 3

When I was 8 weeks pregnant I switched to night shift (7pm-7am) and my dad was in a horrible motorcycle accident. I was working at my hospital all night (I'm an RN) and then would drive over to my dad's hospital to sit with him in ICU. I would only get about 3 hours, sometimes 5 if I was lucky. I was hard on me, but I am now 28 weeks and having a great pregnancy (after a horrible first trimester).

That said, the first trimester of any pregnancy is high risk for miscarriage, but most often, that miscarriage will happen no matter what we do to prevent it. First trimester miscarriages usually happen because the fetus developed improperly.

I would talk to your doctor about your concerns. Remember, there are many babies born to mom's under even more stress. After the first trimester your risks decreased dramatically. Best of luck!