Pregnant

[kralwok]

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I am pregnant and due mid-May, just before starting intern year. I graduated in 2007, completed an intern year in a field I did not enjoy, and am applying for pediatrics programs through the match this year. What do you think about telling programs I am pregnant during the interviews if it comes up? I had planned on not saying anything, but I am currently unemployed and basically sitting around doing nothing. Much of the reason I am unemployed is because I have had pretty bad morning sickness these past few months, which has prohibited me from finding a job. I don't want to look like a complete loser and was thinking it might look better to say I am pregnant than to look extremely lazy. I don't know. I am very conflicted.

Because I will deliver prior to residency beginning, I don't anticipate having to take much (if any) time off at the beginning of internship. Ideally I would like to schedule an outpatient rotation the first month and then complete the rest of my year without inerruption.

 

[deleted50478]

Sounds to me like you are in a pretty good position, ie. you are probably more likely to get through pediatrics residency without taking maternity leave than the average female applicant. Not that they should have a problem with residents taking maternity leave...





<On another subject, have you all notice how few people know the difference between the words then and than? People say then when they mean than almost 130% of the time on this site. >

 

[dragonfly99]

Would think that mentioning you are pregnant should not hurt you on peds interviews. Just strongly state your commitment to peds. I think it's OK to mention you are unemployed and why IF you are asked about it, but if you aren't directly asked then I wouldn't necessarily go there. Just explain to them your strong commitment to pediatrics. I think you could wait until you match to ask for the 1st month to be outpatient. A lot of peds programs would probably be understanding of your wanting to do that.

 

[Munchkin6245]

I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant right now and have already had several interviews. It hasn't been a big deal and hasn't really even been brought up except that other interviewees will ask about the baby which then opens it up to the residents with us asking. I have even brought it up during my interview with the faculty if it's appropriate for the conversation, i.e. living expenses, benefits, etc. I haven't had any negative comments or looks. Some faculty and residents have even mentioned that as soon as I find out where I match to sign up for daycare/nanny service asap and have even given me recommendations to the ones they use.

 

[beriberi]

I wouldn't tell anyone you haven't gotten a job b/c of morning sickness. That may be true, but as a really, really pregnant attending right now, I have no sympathy for that. (Most docs work through preg with very little time off -- and most of us are lucky enough we don't have to find out if we have the motivation to actually go out and get a new job). I am not trying to judge you, just be honest.

If you deliver mid-may, you will barely be ready to start orientation mid-june (most programs will want you on site around June 20.) If you are a bit late, and/or have a c/s it may be very hard to be on time. (I don't think it is realistic to expect to be on an outpatient rotation 4 wks after major abdominal surgery).

I don't think you need to disclose if you don't want to (not a popular position, but legal). Once you match, tell them your due date and when you think you will be able to work. You may need to start month 2.