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- Nov 30, 2013
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I recognize I'm probably reaching out to a very small number of people - those surgical (or other) residents who happen to be pregnant during this pandemic. Just curious what people's experiences have been.
I'm full term but working normally without any extra precautions except those put in place by the hospital for all residents. Our hospital happens to have a fairly high burden of COVID-19 infected patients both admitted and showing up symptomatic to the ED for r/o.
I have mixed feelings about this situation. On the one hand, I suppose there is the potential for me to get sick, to deliver while I'm sick, or to otherwise have a disaster outcome. On the other hand, I haven't asked for any special resident treatment so far during this pregnancy and I don't want to start now. That's just not the culture of the surgical resident. Even if I did ask for special precautions, what would I ask for? More PPE? To start maternity leave early when I'm already putting strain on my coresidents by taking leave? Another pregnant resident I know was actually denied fit testing for the N 95 masks because her "face would change shape and size" during pregnancy and it would be pointless. We don't seem to have those masks around anyway, people stole them all when the outbreak hit this area.
Just curious if anyone else is in the same boat and what you/your program/your hospital have been doing for pregnant residents?
I'm full term but working normally without any extra precautions except those put in place by the hospital for all residents. Our hospital happens to have a fairly high burden of COVID-19 infected patients both admitted and showing up symptomatic to the ED for r/o.
I have mixed feelings about this situation. On the one hand, I suppose there is the potential for me to get sick, to deliver while I'm sick, or to otherwise have a disaster outcome. On the other hand, I haven't asked for any special resident treatment so far during this pregnancy and I don't want to start now. That's just not the culture of the surgical resident. Even if I did ask for special precautions, what would I ask for? More PPE? To start maternity leave early when I'm already putting strain on my coresidents by taking leave? Another pregnant resident I know was actually denied fit testing for the N 95 masks because her "face would change shape and size" during pregnancy and it would be pointless. We don't seem to have those masks around anyway, people stole them all when the outbreak hit this area.
Just curious if anyone else is in the same boat and what you/your program/your hospital have been doing for pregnant residents?