Pregnancy and Postpartum Considerations for the Veterinary Team

Precautions often apply to pregnancy in any workplace, but being a vet in practice presents additional specific risks. There are concerns and uncertainty about potential hazards, from radiation and inhalant anesthesia exposure, to zoonoses, and the additional mental stress in a profession that already carries high suicide risk. This book reviews considerations for professionals in clinical veterinary medicine (large and small animal) while pregnant and after giving birth. Veterinarian and veterinary writer, consultant, and mentor Dr Emily Singler speaks directly to veterinary team members (veterinarians, technicians, CSRs, assistants, students) who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. She delivers scientific information on the specific risks to the mother and baby that may be encountered during pregnancy while working in veterinary medicine, with some of her own and others' experiences to add perspective and humor. The book also covers topics related to mental health challenges, announcing a pregnancy and planning for parental leave, navigating the fourth trimester, and returning to work. We hope that having read this book, veterinary professionals - whether pregnant or working with pregnant colleagues - will feel better supported and empowered to make informed decisions.

Emily Singler, VMD, is a veterinarian, a veterinary writer and consultant, a mentor, and a mother of 4 children. She writes for both animal owners and veterinary professionals, including for the American Animal Hospital Association, DVM 360, and on her own website at www.vetmedbaby.com. She is Adjunct Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, USA.

Introduction/Preface. 1. Radiation. 2. Anesthesia. 3. Infectious Diseases. 4. Drugs and Chemicals. 5. Injuries and Ergonomic Hazards. 6. Stress and Fatigue. 7. Trying to Conceive, Assistive Reproductive Techniques, and Pregnancy Loss. 8. Announcing Pregnancy at Work. 9. Planning Parental Leave. 10. The Fourth Trimester/Maternity Leave. 11. Postpartum Depression, Anxiety and Other Mental Health Concerns. 12. Going Back to Work, Childcare, Pumping at Work, Being a Working Parent.