Sources of stress and support for the pregnant resident

In order to clarify the sources of stress and support for pregnant residents, in 1985 the author conducted a retrospective national survey of women obstetricians and gynecologists, surgeons, and psychiatrists. Questionnaires were mailed to 2,000 physicians; 1,197 responded; 373 (31%) had experienced pregnancy during residency. They indicated that major sources of stress included frequency of call, fatigue, long hours, and too little time with spouse or partner. Women medical staff were perceived as supportive, whereas male counterparts were felt to be neutral at best. Most residents had worked up to delivery or to scheduled maternity leave; only 19 had needed medical leave more than a month prior to due date. Maternity leave of less than six weeks was felt to be inadequate, especially for first-time mothers. The author makes recommendations to help minimize problems for pregnant residents and their programs.