? for Pregnant Teachers

Hi,

I'm fairly new to the boards.

I will be teaching in September and am about 17 weeks. I'm a little nervous since I will be working with Kindergarten. Last time I worked with such a young grade I was sick all the time.

Is anyone else nervous about this?

Is there anything I can do to avoid getting sick? (besides hand washing and Purell?)

Message edited 8/28/2008 10:13:58 AM.

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

I taught Kindergarten last year and I got pregnant in January which was lucky for me because prior to that I was sick literally ALL OF THE TIME from Sept. - Dec. If you have taught Kindergarten before you may already have a better immunity to them but last year was my first year in the lower grades so it took a while for me to build up my immunity. Once I did I was fine. Honestly, from Jan. - June I was not sick even once so I think you will be fine. Just keep washing your hands, take your Pre-Natals, drink OJ, and don't let the kids really touch you all that much. Once I found out I was pregnant I stopped all the hugging and hand holding. Good luck, have a great year!!

Message edited 8/28/2008 10:23:12 AM.

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

My cousin's fiancee teaches kindergarten (obviously not pregnant) he washes his hands constantly, teaches the kids to repeatedly wash their hands, he takes a TON of vitamins (Not sure what you can take in addition to a prenatal ........) and drinks a ton of water to 'flush anything out ' ........

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

I'll be teaching 2nd grade this year and I'm also really nervous!! Last year I subbed (not much hand holding/ hugging) and before that I taught 3rd grade for 2 years in NC and I was sick ALL the time!! I'm lucky to be immune to Fifths disease but I'm still worried about getting the flu and every other sickness from them!!

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

I'm more worried about Fifths Disease. We always have multiple outbreaks a year and I'm not immune. But as far as colds and things, I would say wash your hands frequently. And go with hand washing over those hand sanitizers - they say those create super germs and that just freaks me out...

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

Message edited 8/28/2008 10:31:57 AM.

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

I was pg last year...not a kindergarten teacher, but I do teach students who constantly get us sick. I did get sick right in the beginning and ended up with bronchitis. I had to go on medicine and unfortunately it happened. There really isn't a lot you can do except what you are doing :(

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

I subbed last year and wasn't sick much luckily. In the past, I was a teacher's assistant for a first grade and was sick from Sept- till the day I left in the beginning of February.


The job I am taking now is part-time. Will that make a difference? I feel like it won't because they still have the same germs!

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

I teach 4th grade so their isnt as much contact as there would be in kindergarten. I just plan to use a lot of hand sanitizer and wash my hands frequently. I also think if parents know you are pregnant, they might be more apt to keep their kids home if they are sick.

ETA: Also leave the windows open. I leave my windows open even in the winter. This keeps the germs down as well!

Message edited 8/28/2008 10:51:00 AM.

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

Posted by lkrpaul

I'm more worried about Fifths Disease. We always have multiple outbreaks a year and I'm not immune. But as far as colds and things, I would say wash your hands frequently. And go with hand washing over those hand sanitizers - they say those create super germs and that just freaks me out...

Re: ? for Pregnant Teachers

Thank you for the replies!

I have been so anxious about this....