Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology

Normal Pregnancy

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Thermal Stress

Fetal enzyme systems may not function properly if subjected to unusually high temperatures. In laboratory animals, elevation of core temperature is associated with fetal losses. For this reason, pregnant women are generally restricted from saunas and Jacuzzis.

The important thing to avoid is elevation of the core temperature. Any activity which may lead to an elevation of core temperature should be restricted. This would include sedentary exposure to high ambient temperatures which would otherwise be tolerated by a non-pregnant person, or moderate exercise in moderately-elevated temperatures.

Aboard warships, high ambient temperatures are often found in the:

• Engine spaces
• Laundry
• Mess decks

Noise

Pregnant women should wear hearing protection when exposed to ambient noise levels above 84dBA, including infrequent impact noise. (So should non-pregnant women and men.)

Brief exposure (5 minutes per hour or less) of hearing-protected pregnant women to ambient noise above 84dBA in order to transit high noise areas is probably safe. Prolonged exposure to this level of noise is not recommended.

Pregnant women should avoid any exposure to ambient noise greater than 104dBA (corresponding to the need for double hearing protection), unless absolutely essential for quickly moving through a high noise area.

The abdominal wall muffles (attenuates) the noise only somewhat and these very noisy areas may pose significant problems for the developing fetus.

Low-Frequency Whole Body Vibration

This is the type of shaking vibration one might experience if operating a jackhammer or driving at high speed over a highway with many potholes. It is to be avoided during pregnancy.

Chemical Solvents

Organic solvents, such as turpentine, fuel, oils, lubricants, and paint thinner may have adverse effects on a developing fetus.

The greatest risk comes from ingestion of these solvents, or by chemical spills with contamination of the skin. Inhalation, though less likely to delivery significant quantities of the material, should also be avoided.

Heavy Metals

It is very important to avoid maternal exposure to lead, cadmium and mercury.

CRT Use and Pregnancy

There is no good evidence that working in front of a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) poses any threat for the pregnant woman, either from electromagnetic radiation (EMR) or from eyestrain.

Ergonomics are important for all sitting personnel, and particularly pregnant women. Good low back support, correct height for the CRT, wrist support and proper positioning of the legs (with the thighs flexed slightly so the knees are at least level with the hips, if not slightly higher than the hips), will contribute to the comfort and performance of these personnel.

Home  ·  Introduction  ·  Medical Support of Women in Field Environments  ·  The Prisoner of War Experience  ·  Routine Care  ·  Pap Smears  ·  Human Papilloma Virus  ·  Contraception  ·  Birth Control Pills  ·  Vulvar Disease  ·  Vaginal Discharge  ·  Abnormal Bleeding  ·  Menstrual Problems  ·  Abdominal Pain  ·  Urination Problems  ·  Menopause  ·  Breast Problems  ·  Sexual Assault  ·  Normal Pregnancy  ·  Abnormal Pregnancy  ·  Normal Labor and Delivery  ·  Problems During Labor and Delivery  ·  Care of the Newborn

This web version of Operational Obstetrics & Gynecology is provided by The Brookside Associates Medical Education Division.  It contains original contents from the official US Navy NAVMEDPUB 6300-2C, but has been reformatted for web access and includes advertising and links that were not present in the original version. This web version has not been approved by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. The Brookside Associates is a private organization, not affiliated with the United States Department of Defense. All material in this version is unclassified.

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