I am 27 weeks pregnant and am still working as a CNA for hospice. Should I stop working?

Question

My job entails bathing four to six patients in their homes each day, which requires some heavy lifting on my part. My doctor doesn't seem to be concerned about this, but I just have an inkling that I may be overdoing it... Any CNAs out there who have gone through this-- please help!

Answer 1

h**l no!!!!!

Answer 2

Because you've been doing it your whole  pregnancy, it doesn't affect you as bad as it would if you had started in the middle of it. If you feel that you are overdoing it though, because you know your own body, maybe there are other things that you could do so that you can still work just not do the heavy lifting part. Your doctor isn't concerned and thats a good thing but listen to your body.  

Answer 3

I would be careful about the lifting.  you never know.  Your doctor must not understand what it is your doing or he would change his tune.  Or, he's a crappy doc.  who doesn't listen to you.  I would take it a little bit easy and maybe ask your doctor to give you a light duty slip to bring to your employer. That way you can still get a paycheck, but not lift patients.  I used to work convalescent and it is no easy task.  Please be careful for the sake of your baby and you.  

Answer 4

Hi there ...Congrats on your new little baby coming....Listen I have been a CNA for 9 years and I worked right up until I had my 2nd baby....I worked Wed...and had her on Mon...just keep your feet up when you are at home and if you feel like you need to sit down sit down....

Oh yeah and I work in a nursing home which is constant running around doing this and putting this on the toilet and feeding that one...I have 13 residents that I care for everyday...

Answer 5

i sugest you stop, if you work TOO hard.

If its not tiring, its okay.

i remember, my mom lost a baby once at work. (she was a staff nurse).

Answer 6

i think you need to listen to what your body is telling you.only you will know when its too much. but in this position i would as for lighter duties. i know thats not always possible, but i think your employers have a duty towards you and you do have some rights.

Answer 7

I worked until 32 weeks as a CNA, I just had to stop because I was too tired and doing lots of night shifts.  

Answer 8

work until you go into labor

Answer 9

no  if you doctor thinks you fine then go ahead

my mom couldnt she frequently bleed and her job was sitting down

so i'd go with heavy lifting!

Answer 10

Cut down to part time if you can afford it.  There are women who fancy themselves martyrs (I worked up until I squirted that baby out, etc.), but there is really no call for that.  If your job is becoming more than you can handle, and you can financially deal with the job loss, cut down or quit.  You know what's best for you.

I am 37 weeks and still working FT and I am MISERABLE.  

Answer 11

yes

Answer 12

Never been a CNA, but I'd tell you not to worry. Once the baby is born, you automatically get time off to be with your baby.

Answer 13

Do what you want.  Its completely safe to work up until you deliver, I did with my son and daughter.  I work as a CNA and am a nursing student.  I got done working at the nursing home 5 HOURS before I went into labor.  Your body is used to doing the work so the lifting is not an issue as long as you do it right.  (Lift with your legs, not your back!)  It will keep you fit and healthy.  Good luck!

Answer 14

I used to be a CNA and I was told no lifting past 4 months. If you are lifting by yourself, you should probably think about either quitting or going on light duty. One thing to take into consideration when you are pregnant is your ligaments are relaxing and it is VERY easy to injure yourself with out even knowing you are over doing it and we know how easy that is done when you lift people not even being pregnant... They can not fire you for being on light duty legally OR you can use the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act) and take off for up to 12 weeks then maternity leave if you are planning on going back.  

Answer 15

It depends.  You should listen to your body closely and you should keep discussing this with your OB or midwife.  Perhaps you are not using the best body mechanics (especially given the fact that pregnancy changes your center of gravity).  I would suggest asking a PT for some lifting advice, given the fact that you have a different COG right now.  This could ease some of your pain.  As a CNA for Hospice would it be possible for you to ask your supervisor for a caseload which might be more manageable for you (ie. smaller or lighter patients)?  Talk to your doctor, talk to your supervisor, and keep listening to your body.  Good luck!

Answer 16

listen to your body. it will let you know what to do when to rest and when to get help.  if u are not comfortable by all means let someone know.  do not just think oh ill be alright because you might not. the only one who knows your body is you.

Answer 17

I have been a nurse for 14 years, most of it at the bedside in hospital med surg, and I know EXACTLY what you are talking about.  I am 8 weeks pregnant too.  Remember the basic body mechanics, refresh yourself on all the proper lifting techniques, and don't shortcut, use a lift if avail, etc.  If someone is on your tail about how slow you are, keep in mind that your child comes first, and so does your safety. My mom, who is a nurse and retired after 40 years, always told me, when your patients have long rested in the grave, and same with the staff, you are stuck with your body so take care of it.  No one will do it for you except you!  Remember to lift the bed at waist height if possible.  Do not turn people by yourself, enlist the family.  If the family gets in your face, you remind them you are there to assist the family member, and they have a responsibility to help you!!  And if the RN or supe gets in your face, say "workplace safety!!!"  Also, remember to ask about all durable medical equipment the patient can have to make the job easier.  Best of luck!!

Answer 18

You're doctor isn't doing the same job though. As much as he/she has your best interests at heart, you know whats best for you, and if you are overdoing it.

I'm a support worker on a stroke rehab ward, so I know how demanding the job can be for anyone, but being pregnant must be extremely difficult.

Listen to your body and good luck.

Answer 19

do it up until you feel capable. if you strongly feel that this might cause a problem than i say stop working...otherwise keep doing your job. listen to your body at all times. the good thing is that the "danger weeks" have already been passed. i do believe you're gonna start feeling a little exhausted soon though.

GOOD LUCK with all!!!!!!!!!1

Answer 20

i mean that's a tough question... you have to work, but waitressing would make more money and you wouldn't have to lift as heavy- just be on your feet a lot.  the baby has to come first, so the answer to your question... if it was me i would have to quit the cna job!

Answer 21

I was a cna for a year and a half and worked with a few preggo's who doctor told them to not stop working but to be put on "light duty" No heavy lifting or pushing!