Keeping the Flame Alive: Practicing Veterinary Medicine While Pregnant

Hey there, fellow vet-mamas (and future vet-mamas) and veterinary professionals! Dr. Lauren Jones here, Director of Veterinary Medicine at Shepherd Veterinary Software, and a proud mom myself. Today, we’re diving into a topic close to many of our hearts: practicing veterinary medicine while pregnant.

We all know the immense dedication veterinary medicine requires. Between the long hours, the physical demands, and the emotional challenges you face every day, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Add pregnancy to the mix, and it can feel like a whole new ball game. But fear not! With some planning, open communication, and the right support system, you can navigate this exciting (and sometimes tiring) chapter while keeping your passion for veterinary medicine alive.

The Juggling Act: Balancing Pregnancy and Veterinary Practice

The first trimester can be particularly challenging. You might experience fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms that can impact your energy levels and focus. The later stages of pregnancy bring their own set of physical limitations. Lifting heavy animals, maneuvering around exam tables, and even standing for extended periods can become increasingly difficult.

Here are some key strategies to help you manage this juggling act:

1. Prioritize Safety

This is paramount. Certain aspects of veterinary practice pose potential risks during pregnancy. Minimize radiation exposure, anesthetic gas exposure, and contact with zoonotic diseases. Delegate heavy lifting and limit exposure to hazardous substances. Shepherd’s task management and delegation tools can be invaluable for tracking who’s handling specific tasks and ensuring your safety.

Radiation Exposure: X-rays and other forms of radiation can be harmful to a developing fetus. Instead of taking radiographs yourself, have your team do it - and be sure to stand the appropriate distance away from the beam to minimize exposure. Also consider the following tips:

• X-rays, fluoroscopy, and I-131 treatments should all be avoided if possible. Don’t worry if you can’t completely eliminate this task from your day-to-day—lead aprons can protect you. Talk to your doctor about proper fit adjustments as your body changes. 
• Consider reviewing your dosimeter readings from the previous year to see if your level is less than the recommended amount. If your reading was higher than preferred, discuss equipment upgrades, inspections, or updating protective gear with your management team.
• Don’t forget that sedatives can be your friend in this situation, too - avoid unnecessary patient stress, flailing, and possible injury to you and the patients to minimize the time in x-ray.

Anesthetic Gasses: We’ve all been there - when inducing a patient, you start smelling the anesthetic yourself! Unfortunately, when gasses reach the level that a human nose can appreciate, the level is already too high to be considered safe. The following safety precautions can help:

• Always perform a pre-anesthetic leak check before use and ensure the scavenging system is working correctly. 
• Proper intubation and cuff inflation techniques are also paramount to decrease the risk of leakage during procedures. 
• Avoid the room during induction and recovery - and avoid masking or boxing animals down all together. However, these precautions are not always possible with small teams or specialized services. 
• Check with your two-legged doctor to determine if a gas mask is the best option for you while in surgery. While proper ventilation and scavenging systems significantly reduce risk, it might not be a good option for you. 
• Discuss switching anesthetic duties with your colleagues or management if you have concerns. 

Zoonotic Diseases: Many animals carry diseases that are transmissible to humans. Pregnant vets should use extreme caution whenever handling animal abortions, dead newborns, placentas, and animals suspected to have a zoonotic disease (e.g. rabies, toxoplasmosis, or leptospirosis). The best practice is to avoid handling these all together - however, in the real world, we know this isn’t always possible! If necessary, make sure you have access to proper protective gear - gloves, mask, and gowns. If you’re worried about any exposure, call your doctor ASAP!

Hazardous substances: Many medications and injections are dangerous for pregnant women to handle. Some examples include DES, formaldehyde, chemotherapy agents, chloramphenicol, and misoprostol. 

Heavy lifting: Your doctor can help you determine your specific lifting restrictions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when lifting heavy or unruly patients! 

2. Communicate Openly

Honesty is key. Be upfront with your employer about your pregnancy as soon as you feel comfortable. A supportive workplace, aided by Shepherd’s secure communication features, can help you come up with a plan that ensures your safety and the well-being of your developing baby, which could include:

• Delegating physically demanding tasks, adjusting schedules, and/or exploring alternative duties you can perform while pregnant
• Using Shepherd’s two-way messaging and task management tools to facilitate communication within the veterinary team
• Pregnant vets can also use Shepherd to stay updated on cases, delegate tasks, and collaborate with colleagues remotely, ensuring continuity of care and reducing stress.

3. Focus on Your Strengths

During pregnancy, some aspects of veterinary medicine might be more manageable than others. Perhaps you can shift your focus to consultations, client communication, or research projects while delegating physically demanding tasks like large animal examinations or surgeries. Luckily, Shepherd Software speaks “vet”! Its SOAP-based record keeping lets you work smarter, not harder - so you can focus on top-notch care for your patients while still clocking out on time.

4. Reduce Fatigue with Ergonomics

As your pregnancy progresses, invest in a good ergonomic chair and/or anti-fatigue mats for standing areas. Simple adjustments can make a big difference in reducing back pain and fatigue.

5. Leverage Technology

Shepherd’s cloud-based platform allows you to work from home when needed, especially during the third trimester. 

Cloud-based Access: View patient records, appointments, and other practice information from any device with an internet connection - eliminating the need to commute to the clinic and allowing you to work comfortably from home.

Client Communication Tools: Shepherd provides a secure, 24/7 client portal where pet owners can access their pet’s medical records, view upcoming appointments, download prescriptions, and request refills. You’ll reduce the need for phone calls while still allowing clients to stay informed about their pet’s health.

Flexible Schedule: Shepherd can help you manage your workload and schedule. For example:

• Automatically generate pre-exam consent forms and appointment reminders, freeing up your time to focus on more complex tasks when you’re feeling your best.
• Remote client communication features like the patient portal and two-way texting allow you to consult with clients and address concerns while you’re away from the clinic.

Reduced Workload: Shepherd’s streamlines workflows and helps reduce your overall workload, which can be a huge benefit during pregnancy when fatigue might be a concern.

• Inventory Management: Automatic inventory tracking and reordering can save you time and mental strain.
• Integrated Reporting: Pre-built reports allow you to quickly access important practice data without needing to spend time generating reports yourself.

Keeping the Passion Alive: Nurturing Your Love for Veterinary Medicine

Pregnancy doesn’t have to diminish your love for veterinary medicine. In fact, it can be a time to rediscover the joy of this amazing profession. Here are some ways to stay connected to your passion:

Find Joy in the Journey: Focus on the heartwarming human-animal bond you create every day. The gratitude in a pet owner’s eyes after a successful treatment or the purr of a contented feline can be incredibly rewarding.

Embrace the Intellectual Challenge: Diagnosing complex cases, staying updated on the latest advancements, and delving into research can be intellectually stimulating. Shepherd’s integrated AI assistant can help keep you engaged and informed for the days when those mom-brain moments happen. 

Lean on Your Vet-Mama Community: Groups like Facebook’s DVMoms are invaluable resources. Share your experiences, seek advice, and find strength in knowing you’re surrounded by women who understand the unique challenges and joys of being a veterinarian and a mom. Shepherd Veterinary Software also offers a supportive online community – connect with fellow users and share best practices!

Streamlined Handoff: Shepherd’s centralized data management system facilitates the seamless transfer of patient information to colleagues who are covering for pregnant vets during maternity leave. This ensures continuity of care and minimizes disruption for patients.

Cloud-based software solutions like Shepherd empower pregnant veterinarians to continue providing excellent care while prioritizing their health and well-being. By leveraging Shepherd Veterinary Software, vet-moms can navigate pregnancy with greater flexibility, optimize their workflow, and ensure a smoother transition during maternity leave.

Learn more and book a free demo today at** www.shepherd.vet**