pregnant in childcare

[rainbow17]

Hi all,
I am just looking for advice as I have a few concerns regarding working with children whilst pregnant. I have not been given any information at work about my health and safety now that I am pregnant and things that I should and shouldn't be doing and have been reading (and scaring myself) about the CMV virus that is particularly dangerous if contracted during pregnancy. I am freaking out a little as I have still been expected to clean vomit, blood, urine, faeces etc and nobody in my room is particularly bothered about me doing this and haven't been helping me out much. I work in an over 3's room but still have a few children toilet training. Does anybody know if I should still be expected to change these nappies or not? I have heard of some centres that do not like pregnant women changing ANY nappies and even sign something that lists their new expectations in the workplace. I know there is more of a risk of catching the virus from younger children but even in a evening when I am closing I am still expected to look after that age group as well and deal with all the extra drool etc. Anybody been in this situation that can help me as I don't want to put my unborn baby at risk.

[Lorina]

First off "Congratulations"! You're in for some exciting times ahead with you little bub!

It's scary to think about but the CMV is a virus that can be contracted in a childcare centre and is fatal for pregnant woman. Some times those who have it aren't even aware of it or don't show any symptoms of it. It is usually transmitted through blood, urine, faeces and saliva. To protect you and your unborn baby you will probably need to minimise your exposure in changing nappies, toilet training etc. Even if you do have excellent hygiene practices you still are at risk of contacting it. It's just best not to take a chance with it.

I am surprised to hear that your centre hasn't spoken to you about your pregnancy because your daily tasks will need to change in order for you to manage working while pregnant. You should also be told about the infectious diseases that you may be exposed to (rubella, chicken pox etc) and the risks involved. You should also be given the "Staying Healthy In Childcare" guide so you are aware of exclusion periods and what to do if an infectious diseases is transmitted at the centre. These are just common procedures that you should be aware of now that you're pregnant.

Also, you need to take it easy. You shouldn't be bending so much and picking up the children because this can all cause harm to you... You will need to talk to your director about your concerns and that you would like your tasks to be minimised so you can efficiently do your job without harm and that you will like to stop changing nappies and assist in toilet training because of the risk of infectious diseases. It is your right to request this because your are pregnant and your centre has to accommodate your needs to make it safe for you!

Here is some more info:

http://meridianlawyers.com.au/insights/ ... f-members/
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/bu ... 6ab_7IaySM

I completely understand that reading the above information can be depressing and create a lot of concern however you need to be well informed of the risks involved while working in childcare during your pregnancy...

Is there anyway you can cut down the number of days so you work part time rather than full time?

,
L.A

[rainbow17]

Thanks for your reply Lorina. I will be talking to my boss about the situation and no longer changing the few nappies we have. I am ok with the lifting aspect, as I am not required to do this anyway. I will be reducing my hours but not until closer to my due date. I will also talk to my midwife as my doctor didn't really seemed concerned. I was just wondering if there was anyone who survived the experience of childcare work whilst pregnant and had a positive experience that can offer some reassurance

[Lorina]

I worked from home during my pregnancy so I had the opportunity to take plenty of rest. I had a few complications so it's good I wasn't working at a centre...

At my previous employment an educator was working at the centre almost right up until her due date. She seemed to have handled it very well and delivered a healthy baby boy. We just had to make sure that she wasn't getting too many physical tasks and allowed her to take rest when needed. The children enjoyed watching the baby grow and it brought a lot of discussion and excitement about.

Don't worry, you can work there isn't any harm just make sure you take it easy and don't try to do too much,

,
L.A