Pregnancy is a time of incredible change and is full of new challenges. For physicians still in medical training or those just starting their career, balancing the demands of medical training or early career practice with pregnancy can be especially daunting (maybe even more so than with other expectant mothers because given your medical education, you know what to expect when you’re expecting) However, it’s entirely possible to navigate the road to parenthood successfully with careful planning and support.

Let’s discuss a few tips for those who find themselves practicing medicine while pregnant:

Prioritize your health

Your health and the health of your baby are your first priority. This may seem obvious, but as a physician, you’re used to prioritizing your patients’ needs. Remember that taking care of yourself is essential to caring for others. Listen to your body and don’t hesitate to adjust your workload if needed. This might mean taking more frequent breaks, reducing on-call hours or delegating physically demanding tasks when possible.

Communicate early and clearly

Inform your supervisor, residency director or if you are a newer employee and if feels more comfortable, your physician recruiter about your pregnancy as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. Early communication allows time for better planning around your schedule and duties. Transparency will help ensure your pregnancy is supported without compromising your training or career progression. Be sure to discuss potential modifications to your rotations, on-call responsibilities and the timing of any required leave.

Know your rights and benefits

Knowing what you’re entitled to can alleviate stress and help you make informed decisions about your pregnancy and career. Familiarize yourself with your institution’s policies on maternity leave, benefits and accommodations for pregnant employees. It’s also a good idea to understand your rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or other relevant legislation. If you need special accommodations, such as adjustments to your schedule or work environment, don’t hesitate to request them.

Build a support system

Emotional support during pregnancy is crucial, so don’t be afraid to reach out if you need it. Surround yourself with a strong support system both at work and home. It’s good to connect with colleagues who have gone through pregnancy during their training or early in their career to get their insights. Their experiences can be invaluable. At home, enlist the support of family and friends to help manage daily tasks and reduce your stress level and help prevent anxiety.

Plan ahead for maternity leave

It’s critical to plan carefully for maternity leave. Try to work with your program director or supervisor to schedule your leave in a way that minimizes disruption to your training or practice. Think about how your absence will affect your rotation schedule, and work on a plan to make up any missed time or duties. Planning ahead can also help ensure a smoother transition back to work after your baby is born.

Don’t forget self-care

Balancing the rigors of medical training or practice while your body goes through the changes of pregnancy requires diligent self-care. Proper rest, nutrition and mental well-being need to be a priority. Pregnancy can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and the additional pressures of a medical career can amplify this. It’s also good to incorporate relaxation techniques like mindfulness or gentle exercise into your routine to help manage stress and maintain your overall well-being.

Be flexible and adapt

Pregnancy is unpredictable (parenthood can be even more so, but that’s another blog) so it’s important to remain flexible and adaptable. Understand that you may need to adjust your expectations as you go along. Pregnancy can bring with it severe exhaustion, smell aversion, back pain and a host of other symptoms that might force you to modify your duties if certain aspects of your work become too physically taxing. By anticipating that you will have to deal with unexpected issues, being open to change and willing to adapt your approach will help you successfully navigate any challenges that arise.

Practicing medicine while pregnant is undoubtedly challenging, but it’ also an opportunity to model the importance of work-life balance and self-care in the medical profession. By prioritizing your health, communicating effectively and leaning on your support system, you can successfully navigate this unique phase of your work and personal life and come through it with a healthy career and, more importantly, a healthy baby.