Veterinary Professionals - Vet Pro - PREGNANCY IN PRACTICE

jenvetnurse writes "Pregnancy in Veterinary practice is fairly common as it is in any work place and it is wise to be aware of potential dangers to your unborn child.

The practice also is legally obliged to ensure you are in a safe environment and to find alternative work if there is any danger to you or the baby.
I worked throughout my pregnancy.

My employers were fairly co-operative although I did find the nurses changed their attitude towards me and treated me very differently which was a shame. I was made to feel as though I was unhelpful and in the way most days and given demeaning tasks such as stock takes and spoken to as if I was a child even though I was the eldest/most experienced nurse there!

I was also repeatedly asked to assist with x-rays and even holding to x-ray! I did do it once as I was really put on the spot but it was very wrong and I wish I had been strong enough to argue with the vet in question. It was out of hours and an emergency and I felt I had no option.

Apart from the occasional regrettable incidence (which in hindsight is all it takes)
I was careful and I am glad I was as my boy is very healthy. No job is worth risking a child’s health/future.

I remember one instance when I was asked to remove faeces from the car park. I was around 7 months pregnant and my bump was too large to even change my socks/shoes!

I was asked in such away that it was insulting and hurtful.
I simply smiled and said ‘Yes’ and went outside and kicked a few nuggets of dried up poo under the bushes!

Have you had any incidences where you or a member of staff has been poorly treated in practice because of pregnancy/illness? Please tell us about it in the forums.

Drugs/potential hazards to avoid during pregnancy:
1. Phenol liquid

2. Fentanyl patches

3. All steroid containing drugs/injectables/ointments ie desadressen/depomedrone etc

4. Oxytocin Injection

5. Griseofulvin

6. Epiphen

7. Formalin

8. radiography

9. heavy lifting

10. Aludex

11. Micotil

12. All hormonal preperations ie Laurabolin/Ovarid etc

13. Anaesthetic agents

14. Long hours/excessive stress/fatigue

"


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