Is it possible to study Medicine and have children?!

**Sade_b** · 15-06-2005, 07:12 PM

Hi All,

I am contemplating the idea of studying Medicine. I am 26 years old. Like many women, I also want to have children. I am hoping to have children in my early 30s. However, this will mean having children whilst I am coming towards the end of my Medical degree

Has any one had children whilst studying for a Medical degree or during their SHO/pre-registration?!

Any advice will be very much appreciated!

**cakelover** · 26-06-2005, 09:09 AM

Hi there,

I don't have much info on how they did it, but I know of at least 4 women who had babies during medical school or in the house officer years (although I think not pre-registration years). There are many of us on this board with children (as you can see). Good luck

**Smaysie** · 01-07-2005, 11:11 AM

Hi there!

I've just finished second year and my first baby is due in less than a week (timed that well didn't I?). My university have been incredibly supportive and are very happy for me to take a year out.
One of my very good friends took third year off to have her first child and is now pregnant with her second child at the end of her fourth year. She's planning to continue her fifth year as planned, but possibly delay a few modules until the summer after she completes fifth year. Her university is also very supportive.

If you are organised, have thought through the 'consequences' (working hours, childcare etc) of doing a medicine course and children at the same time and are good at time management, not to mention being 100% positive that it's the right thing to do for you and your family, then there is nothing stopping you.

Your social life will be curtailed and you probably need a supportive partner, but I think the posts on this forum speak volumes for the flexibility of courses, students and universities when it comes to parenting and pursuing ambitions to be a doctor.

**spk76** · 01-07-2005, 11:53 AM

You don't need to put your life on hold just becuase you're studying medicine.

**Boadicea** · 05-07-2005, 04:40 PM

Here, here, spk76. I couldn't agree more!
We women are able to multi-task so babies & medicine is achievable. But if it were the men having the babies.......... xxx

**bigdaikon** · 05-07-2005, 04:58 PM

Oh come on...childbirth doesn't hurt:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4641567.stm

Just a bit of fun! I don't believe it for one second! Rather scepticle...

**bigdaikon** · 05-07-2005, 05:09 PM

On a more encouraging note, two of my (three) friends were facing the same dilemma. One now has a baby (and is entering her fourth year), whereas the other has put motherhood on hold while she seeks a more suitable partner.Well, not that she's actively looking...

**Tangliss** · 05-07-2005, 05:10 PM

It bloody well does hurt!!!

**Boadicea** · 05-07-2005, 05:16 PM

I agree with Tangliss.... having your toe nails pulled out would hurt less!!
Only a man could make an intellectual comment like that!!!!........

**bigdaikon** · 05-07-2005, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by Boadicea

I agree with Tangliss.... having your toe nails pulled out would hurt less!!
Only a man could make an intellectual comment like that!!!!........

Only a woman could be so presumptious and assume that I'm a man...but you're irrefutably correct!
Generally, I expect that most women experience excrutiating pain during childbirth, but certainly not all.