Getting Pregnant
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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Pregnancy in lab environment
Is there anyone out there that works in a histology lab? I have a new job and will be starting in the lab on the 30th of January. I'll be working in one room with formalin and xylene. I'm wondering what risks there are if and when I become pregnant. I keep reading conflicting views on histology discussion boards online.
Of course, any chemicals I will be exposed to are going to be within the "safe" limit for an adult, but what about special considerations for a pregnant woman? I want to ask the doctor that runs the lab, but I don't think bringing up future plans for pregnancy after only being there for 4 months is a good idea. (how sad is that, that women need to keep baby plans under wrap?)
Re: Pregnancy in lab environment
I'm a histotech!! For the most part the biggest concern is xylene. Formalin isn't a direct threat to your baby, but you obviously should still be careful.
As for xylene, it poses a direct threat to the reproductive tract and a developing fetus. It can cause birth defects so extra measures should be taken. I'm always sure to handle xylene under the fumehood when I have to and to avoid it if possible. As long as you're care and your exposure stays within safe limits it should not be a big deal. Avoid helping to clean up any big spills. If you have to change large amounts in a processor either do it under a fume hood or ask someone else to help.
My boss had a perfectly healthy pregnancy and baby last year and another coworker is pregnant now and everything is looking great for her too. I'm not concerned about chemical exposure with my pregnancy because I know I'm taking proper precautions and my coworkers are willing to let me avoid xylene if I can.
Good luck to you!
Definitely talk about this with your doctor at your preconception checkup. S/he may need to go do some research and get back to you, but you'll want the latest exposure and risk information.
GL
Alex - so great to talk to someone who works in my field! Good to know. I knew xylene was one of the more harmful chemicals. I'm glad that others women have had successful pregnancies while working in the lab. Maybe when/if it happens I'll see if I can avoid doing the cover slips.
I do plan to talk to my doctor about my lab concerns, but I don't think we are at the point where we are trying yet. It's just this is a brand-new job and I was curious if anyone works in the field and have dealt with this before. We probably won't be actively "trying" until sometime next year and I want to know ahead of time if my job is as risk - because I'm more likely to find another job than put a developing fetus at risk.
And while on the topic - I'm very ignorant about how this will work - but what is a preconception check up? I assumed I would continue with my yearly checkups and then, of course, go when I got a positive reading on a test. I'm guessing when H and I decide to start trying I set up an appointment? What do they test at a preconception check up that is any different than a yearly?
All my doctor did was check to make sure that I was up to date on my immunizations, because you can't get pregnant within a certain amount of time after getting certain vaccinations. Other than that, she told me to start taking a prenatal vitamin and have fun with my hubby
I was hoping to just get confirmation on this. I am also a histotech. I gross specimens that are received in formalin. I cut and embed tissue. We really only do gynecological tissue. I am not responsible for changing the chemicals (I.e. Xylene) in the processors. I am worried about the formalin as well. I'm only 6 wks so I was hoping to keep my pregnancy a secret a few more weeks. My husband and I are debating talking to my boss though, just to make sure everything is safe. But if you can give me reassurance, I may be able to wait.
Feb 22, 2013