Baby on board: pregnancy as a source of conflict for the psychiatry registrar

Abstract

Conflicts may arise during a registrar's pregnancy, but can be mediated through effective supervision and peer support, and may benefit future clinical practice with the development of new insights and enhanced self-awareness.

Comment: pregnancy in the early career psychiatrist

“…When to disclose the pregnancy to patients, and the subsequent response of the patient (anger, fear and abandonment) are prominent issues. 2–5 These issues are relevant in general psychiatry and the literature makes some suggestions on how to handle such situations. 2–5…”

“…When to disclose the pregnancy to patients, and the subsequent response of the patient (anger, fear and abandonment) are prominent issues. [2][3][4][5] These issues are relevant in general psychiatry and the literature makes some suggestions on how to handle such situations. [2][3][4][5] Many patients naturally react by offering congratulations and share a basic human interest in the doctor who is pregnant.…”

“…1 Not surprisingly, this leads to a number of issues, many of which have been addressed in Hamilton’s paper. 2…”

“…Tinsley 3 divided the matter into three areas: patient care perspective; relationship with colleagues; and the response of the employing agency and the college training mechanism. More recently, Hamilton’s paper 2 identified challenges facing the pregnant trainee and, in the spirit of self-reflection and inquiry, explored the literature covering pregnancy and the psychiatric trainee or early career trainee psychiatrist.…”

“…1 Not surprisingly, this leads to a number of issues, many of which have been addressed in Hamilton's paper. 2 It is not uncommon for the expectant mothers to encounter challenges associated with the new role of motherhood and societal expectations of motherhood in a professional environment. There are additional tasks for the psychiatrist trainee who is to become a mother.…”