Being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) can be a rewarding career path. It allows a person to care for patients and assist them with their healthcare needs.
However, like any job in the healthcare field, it basically demands physical work and can sometimes be stressful.
For CNAs who are pregnant, there may be worries about the safety of the work environment and whether the physical demands of the job could increase the risk of a miscarriage. We discuss this further:
Can you be pregnant and work as a CNA?
Of course, you can be pregnant and continue your work as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant).
There are a number of Federal laws that protect pregnant workers, ensuring that if your employer has 15 or more employees, you are protected against pregnancy-based discrimination and harassment.
You also have the legal right to reasonable accommodations that allow you to do your job without compromising your health. However, being a CNA while pregnant does come with some caveats due to the physically demanding nature of the work.
Discussing your work duties with your healthcare provider and looking at safety adjustments is important. We recommend adhering to practical tips such as avoiding stressful work situations and perhaps changing heavy lifting duties and those that put you at risk of catching an infection.
Can Being a CNA Cause Miscarriage?
Being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) entails helping patients go about with their daily needs like eating, dressing up, exercising, showering, etc.
It can be physically demanding because you sometimes need to lift them or be on your feet for many hours. If you’re pregnant, you may worry if such hard work could make you miscarry your baby.
Let’s grasp the concept of miscarriage first. A miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends on its own in the early months, typically before the 20th week. And it can happen for many different reasons.
Most of the time, these reasons aren’t linked to what the mother is doing for work. But if a job is very physically hard, like lifting heavy things or involving chemical use, some people think it might increase the chance of having a miscarriage.
Even though being a CNA can be hard work, there isn’t a definitive answer to say the job cause a miscarriage. Every woman’s journey is different. And what might be safe for one pregnant CNA might not be safe for another.
That’s why pregnant CNAs need to talk to their doctors about the kind of work they do. The doctor can help determine if they need to change some parts of their job or simply swap out certain duties with other co-workers, ensuring you’re at your safest while pregnant.
Tips for pregnant CNAs to protect themselves
If you are pregnant and working as a CNA, here are some tips to help you stay safe and healthy:
Share the News with Your Boss
This is the first and most important thing to do. Tell your boss about your pregnancy! This isn’t just about following workplace protocol; it’s a big way to make sure both you and your little one stay safe and healthy at work.
When your boss knows you’re expecting, they can play a significant role in adapting your work environment and duties to better suit your needs at this time.
For instance, your boss might adjust your tasks so you’re not involved in heavy lifting or dealing with any chemicals that could heighten your chances of hurting your baby bump.
You might also get more frequent breaks or tasks that require you to stand less. Your boss being in the know also means they will understand why you need to attend more medical appointments and the need for them to adjust your hours.
Wear Comfy Shoes
You’re on your feet a lot as a CNA. And during pregnancy, your feet can feel even more pressure. The right shoes can work the magic here.
They can help prevent your feet from getting too sore and can even help with back pain, which is pretty common as your belly expands.
Choosing shoes that give good support and have a cushioned sole can really improve your day. They can make it easier to move around and do your tasks.
Plus, as your pregnancy progresses, your body goes through many changes, and you might notice your feet swelling or changing shape. Comfy, supportive shoes can adapt to these changes, helping you stay comfortable and safe at work.
Wear a Support Belt
As your belly grows bigger and bigger, it can put a lot of pressure on your back. This isn’t uncommon, and it can make standing, walking, and even just moving around during a long shift feel harder.
It can lead to back and neck pain. A support belt is intended to help with this. It wraps around your lower back and under your belly, supporting your back and abdomen.
While it lifts and supports your belly, it helps to distribute the weight more evenly. This not only reduces the strain on your back but can also help get rid of discomfort and pain.
Take Breaks When You Can
While being active is a big part of this job, you might get tired faster when you’re expecting. When you find a few minutes, sit down, relax your feet, and catch your breath.
Breaks not only let you rest up, but they are also a good time to have a snack and drink some water, which keeps your energy up and makes sure you’re staying hydrated.
Remember that during pregnancy, your body’s working extra hard, so those small moments of rest can make a huge difference. It isn’t only good for your health, but being well-rested means you can provide better care for your patients.
So when you have a chance or a break, pick it up, regardless of the length. Your body and your baby will thank you for it.
Lift Safely
When moving or lifting patients is necessary, it’s important to do so with extra care. Always use proper lifting techniques—bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting or moving something.
This method reduces the strain on your back and avoids unnecessary pressure on your bump. It also makes a lot of sense to ask for help when needed. Your colleagues understand your situation, and they might not hesitate to help.
If something feels too heavy, get them to assist you. Keep Clean You’re exposed to more germs than in most other environments when working in a healthcare environment.
That’s why it’s super important to wash your hands regularly. After you handle any kind of equipment, every time you interact with a patient, and before you eat or touch your face.
Give your hands a good scrub anytime. Using gloves when you’re supposed to and changing them as needed is another key part of staying clean.
This not only helps prevent the spread of germs but also protects you from coming into contact with harmful substances.
Eat Healthy Snacks
This job can be overly demanding, such that you might easily miss meals or make you reach for quick, less nutritious options. However, choosing healthy snacks can revitalize your energy and keep you focused on your shift.
Fruits, nuts, trail mix, hard-boiled eggs, and yogurt can be a go-to. They are not just nutritious but also easy to eat on a break. Plus, they pack the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs to grow.
Eating small, frequent meals or snacks also helps manage pregnancy symptoms like nausea and heartburn.
Can Being A CNA Cause Miscarriage? ~ Wrap
Like every other job, being a CNA, especially while pregnant, does come with its challenges, but there is no proof on the internet or anywhere to suggest that the job itself causes miscarriage.
The most important thing is taking some precautionary measures, like lifting safely, staying clean, eating healthy snacks, and wearing a support belt.
These steps can significantly lower any risks and help you maintain a healthy pregnancy. Remember, every pregnancy is unique.
Listening to your body and working closely with your healthcare provider to understand your own needs and limits is key.
