Pregnant Physicians and Studies Over Time

Being a female physician, no amount of studying or working can prepare you for becoming a mother. Motherhood is a journey that requires making adjustments based on your individual needs. It takes planning, which can be rather difficult with being on call at work and adapting to life at home. Over time, studies have examined the personal and professional impact of pregnancy outcomes among female physicians. Factors that were taken into consideration included age, working hours during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, stress, career satisfaction, and more.

In 1983, a study was conducted in one medical school to determine the perceived stress regarding working with a pregnant colleague. The majority of participants stated that the colleague’s pregnancy had a rather positive effect on their working environment. Furthermore, they felt that the pregnant physician maintained her personal and professional interests separate and with great efficiency. Yet, 30% of the participants reported that women of childbearing age are considered to be a hiring risk and pregnant physicians can generate conflict among colleagues due to need of special treatment and favored considerations.

10 years later, in 1993, a survey was conducted among residents and faculty members at a Midwestern medical school. The aim behind the survey was to assess both female and male attitudes toward working with pregnant colleagues. A total of 97 faculty members out of 145 and 103 residents out of 214 completed the survey, for a total of 200 participants. Out of 15 items listed, faculty members’ responses only showed 1 item difference based on gender. The residents’ responses, on the other hand, showed significant differences pertaining to 8 items. More female residents felt that pregnant physicians were able to maintain job performance and interests relating to the field of medicine. However, more male residents felt that pregnancy was disruptive to relationships with colleagues and the overall performance of the department.

Nowadays, more and more research is being conducted on pregnant physicians and parenting during residency training. One particular study viewed the attitudes and experiences with pregnancy during residency of residents and program directors from 16 Canadian general surgery programs. Out of 600 residents, 176 completed the survey and reported multiple issues relating to pregnancy during residency. Most participants felt that maternity/parenting policies were lacking and fellow resident colleagues’ workload increased. Based on the results, the study emphasized the importance of improving maternity/pregnancy policies. Another survey was carried out among physician mothers to define career satisfaction in both procedural and nonprocedural fields and the various aspects of maternity leave. According to the 45 question survey that was conducted on a larger, national level; 1541 participants were attending physicians during pregnancy and 393 practiced in a procedural field. 609 participants reported to losing over $10,000 in income during maternity leave with no vast difference between their work in procedural and nonprocedural fields. Most pregnant physicians even stated a desire to have chosen a less demanding specialty. The results showed female physicians reported higher rates of career dissatisfaction, more specifically those working in procedural specialties. Given the findings from past and present studies, it is evident that creating and implementing maternity and pregnancy specific policies may help boost career satisfaction among pregnant physicians.

Although most female physicians tend to be more supportive of pregnant colleagues, they are can also be as dismissive as their male colleagues. The fact is that anyone, whether a woman or a man, can prove difficult to work with. This is generally based on individual characteristics and different viewpoints on life. For instance, some physicians feel that special treatment among pregnant physicians is not fair because increased workload goes to fellow colleagues. In fact, most female physicians believe that being pregnant during training can negatively affect or even jeopardize one’s career. For instance, some women work right up until delivery, frightened that taking an additional day off may cost them their reputation or even worse, their job. However, there are also several women who recollect to having positive pregnancy experiences on the job. Pregnant physicians are continuously striving to juggle both the personal and professional aspects of their lives. 30 years ago, the work-life balance was not a priority, but it is today.

The world of medicine is rather competitive and demanding. While there are challenges that you will have to face being a student, physician, and mother; the key is to set your priorities accordingly and have constant support along the way. First things first, you need to understand the rules and regulations following your residency program or those if you work in a healthcare setting, such as a medical practice or hospital. Such policies are not universal and some can be rather detailed and specific to pregnant physicians. For instance, some hospitals allow an average maternity leave of a month and a half, while others may even offer up to 12 months. If your healthcare setting does not have a set policy, you must work with your employer and come up with a plan that works best for you and does not jeopardize the overall functioning of the facility. During the process, you should be direct and communicate your goals clearly to your colleagues, as well as to your family. Next, you should assess the risk factors associated with pregnancy in a healthcare setting: prolonged standing, long hours, night shifts, and hazards such as radiation exposure. It is only natural that you would want to continue carrying out your normal duties; however, during pregnancy you need to recognize your limitations. You may get tired and need to rest. Your employer is legally required to allow you time for suitable rest. Finally, consider planning and scheduling your rotations after your maternity leave ends. When you return to work, you want to be able to fully commit to your patients but you are also want to be flexible so that you can return home to your child during the months of breastfeeding.

Above all, take care of yourself throughout your pregnancy by doing the following:

• Educate yourself on pregnancy and childbirth;
• Eat a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables;
• Get plenty of protein from fish, lean meat, beans, and nuts;
• Take good care of your personal hygiene and be extra cautious of food hygiene;
• Take the recommended daily amount of prenatal vitamins (folic acid, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, iron, etc.) throughout your entire pregnancy;
• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, fresh fruit juice and fruit teas;
• Exercise on a regular basis by doing pelvic floor exercises and performing gentle exercises such as brisk walking, yoga, pilates, or swimming;
• Try doing some relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, stretching, or massage;
• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke;
• Cut down on your caffeine intake and avoid alcohol;
• Stay up to date with your vaccinations;
• Get plenty of rest;
• Write out a birth plan (procedures to avoid, positions during delivery, special clothing, medications, etc.);
• See your doctor at least once a month during your entire pregnancy and report any unusual changes

There is no ideal way to achieve a work-life balance as a physician and a mother. It can become overwhelming having to juggle a life where you want to be a reputable female physician who puts her patients first and a great mother who is always there for her children. Being a great physician requires devoting your time and efforts, all the while making constant sacrifices. However, as to whether being a good mother and still being a good physician is possible, the answer is absolutely yes! Despite the challenges that you may face, the rewards are far greater. Strive to ensure a smooth transition from the first month of your pregnancy to the end of your maternity leave. Most important, make sure to take good care of yourself during your pregnancy, both at work and at home.