Top 8 Tips for Working Comfortably in Dentistry During Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes your body—and it may need to change the way you work in the operatory, too.
A stool you once loved may suddenly feel uncomfortable. Getting close to your patient can become more difficult. Your back, wrists, hips, and pelvis may fatigue faster. You may experience dizziness when standing or reaching overhead. Instead of pushing through discomfort, your ergonomics should adapt along with your body.
Here are eight tips for staying more comfortable during pregnancy.
1. Expect your ergonomics to change
As your belly grows and your center of gravity shifts, the positioning that worked before pregnancy may no longer work. Don't force your body into your old setup. Adjust it as your needs change.
Many report an increase in carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms (many times temporary and due to increased fluid volume causing pressure on the median nerve). Temporary wrist splints, especially while sleeping, can help.
2. Try a different stool
I hear from pregnant clinicians who suddenly can't tolerate their everyday stool—especially later in pregnancy. Ideally, offices should have access to different stool styles, widths, and seat shapes so clinicians have options.
I love a good saddle stool, but I have heard from clinicians who use them that they aren't comfortable, especially later in pregnancy. Having different seat pan designs (from saddle to flatter) in the office is great, as you will likely need a different one temporarily.
3. Add support when you need it
A backrest or elbow/forearm support may feel great during pregnancy even if you didn't need one before. Offices should consider stools with detachable or adjustable supports that clinicians can use when needed.
I love when offices have some backrests and elbow supports in the back room that can easily be added or taken off as needs change.
4. Don't just stand all day
When sitting becomes uncomfortable, some pregnant clinicians resort to standing for their entire clinical day. But prolonged standing isn't ideal either. Instead, alternate between sitting and standing and change positions frequently. Also, compression socks/leggings are a game changer!
5. Bring the patient to you
As your belly grows, you may find yourself sitting farther from the patient—and then compensating by leaning and reaching.
Move the patient before you move yourself. Adjust the chair and headrest, ask the patient to turn, use your clock positions, and reposition throughout the appointment.
6. Take more microbreaks
Use those few minutes between patients to change positions, walk, stretch, hydrate, eat, or simply breathe.
Operatory microbreaks make a huge difference here: especially when you know you've been reaching or leaning, take 20 seconds to stretch those overworked muscles.
7. Prioritize nutrition and bone health
Pregnancy increases nutritional demands, including the need for calcium to support fetal development.
Most pregnant adults need about 1,000 mg of calcium daily from food and supplements combined to maintain bone health and prevent decreases in bone density.
And don't forget protein, vitamin D, hydration, and regular meals/snacks—especially during long clinical days.
I have a growing library of high-protein, yummy recipes in my Posture Club.
8. Employers: Build flexibility into the operatory
Pregnant clinicians shouldn't have to choose between an uncomfortable stool and standing all day.
Ideally, practices should have multiple stool options, detachable backrests, optional elbow/forearm supports, opportunities to sit and stand, and flexibility for additional breaks.
Most importantly, ask your clinician what she needs. Every pregnancy—and every body—is different.
Pregnancy isn't the time to push through discomfort. Your ergonomics may need to change week by week, and that's okay.
Did you know I have a free Facebook group just for women where we discuss issues and solutions just like this? I'd love to have you!
Comments