Impact of pregnancy during training on a psychiatric resident cohort.

The issues surrounding pregnancy during residency training include length of maternity leave, coverage during that leave, and relationships among resident colleagues. With more women entering medicine, the likelihood of a majority of residents in any postgraduate year being pregnant at one time has increased. This study presents an in-depth view of one such resident cohort. Conflicts occurred over the perception that pregnant residents received special treatment. The defenses mobilized by residents included projection and denial.