Much like making a decision on getting married during residency, you’ll hear opinions on both sides when it comes to pregnancy during residency. Some residents choose to wait, citing intense schedules and heavy workloads, while others decide that starting a family sooner rather than later is worth navigating the challenges.
Ultimately, the decision depends on you… and a few questions you should consider.
Residency is a demanding time, both professionally and personally. If you’re considering having children during residency, it’s important to weigh several key factors that can influence your experience and well-being.
Starting a family requires careful planning, especially during the rigors of residency. Beyond the medical responsibilities of pregnancy, you’ll need support for daily tasks, emotional challenges, and the financial implications of childcare and parental leave.
Consider whether your partner, family, or close friends can help share these responsibilities. Having a strong support network can make having kids during residency more manageable.
In addition to formal childcare options, it’s important to assess whether your spouse or partner can step in during unexpected situations. Their flexibility can help cover gaps in care, whether for illness, appointments, or other urgent needs. Knowing you have someone who can respond when challenges arise makes having kids during residency more manageable.
Reliable childcare is crucial during residency. Consider local daycare availability, costs, and hours, keeping in mind that highly desirable programs may have long waiting lists. Even with a daycare or school in place, there will be times when your child needs care unexpectedly. Nearby family members, such as grandparents, aunts, or uncles, can provide valuable support and help alleviate stress, allowing you to focus on your training.
Balancing work and personal life is already challenging during residency, and planning for pregnancy in residency requires honest self-assessment. How much flexibility do you realistically have in your schedule?
The timing of pregnancy can affect rotations, night shifts, and clinical responsibilities. Some residents may need to plan conception around lighter rotations or anticipate periods of high stress. Being proactive about work-life balance in residency can reduce burnout and help you enjoy parenthood while completing training.
Medical complications can happen, and programs vary widely in their policies. Understanding your residency program’s approach to schedule adjustments, sick leave, or rotation swaps can provide peace of mind. Open communication with program directors about potential needs is key to ensuring support if unexpected circumstances arise.
Many programs have specific guidelines for parental leave, including how much time can be taken, whether vacation or sick time can be used, and options for making up rotations if needed. Understanding your program’s policies first will give you a clear baseline and help you plan more effectively for pregnancy during residency.
You may also want to explore other labor law or national program guidelines.
Federal Protections (FMLA) are often used as the basis for most parental leave programs. Here are the most important details:
In 2021, the American Board of Medical Specialties issued a parental leave requirement for all specialty boards. It’s important to note that:
Dental residency programs don’t face the same requirements as medical specialty programs. Instead, the ADA encourages programs to support parental leave in compliance with federal and state laws. However, policies vary widely by institution, so it’s important to review your specific program’s rules.
Choosing when — or whether — to start a family during residency is deeply personal. Part of what makes the decision so difficult is knowing how much you care about providing stability and protection for your loved ones. While there’s no single right answer, taking steps now to build a safety net can give you more peace of mind.
Even as a resident, you can begin laying the groundwork for your family’s long-term security. Start by exploring policies and protections like:
Taking time to review these areas now can help you feel more confident, no matter when you decide to grow your family. Download our Financial Fundamentals Checklist to get a clear picture of what you have in place today and what you may need in the years ahead.
If you have specific questions, we’re here to help. Get in touch with a member of our team today.
Treloar & Heisel, an EPIC Company, is a premier financial services provider to dental and medical professionals across the country. We assist thousands of clients from residency to practice and through retirement with a comprehensive suite of financial services, custom-tailored advice, and a strong national network focused on delivering the highest level of service.
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