1054| Giving Birth During Residency and Gallbladder Removal While Pregnant - Dr. Manisha Ghimire

The episode opens with Dr. Manisha Ghimire recounting a harrowing first pregnancy that unfolded amid a demanding internal‑medicine residency. An unexpected gallstone triggered acute cholecystitis, and surgeons planned a cholecystectomy only after a routine pregnancy test revealed she was pregnant. Balancing surgery, weight loss, and limited maternity leave, she delivered a healthy son but received no lactation counseling, leaving her with a manual pump and ultimately resorting to formula. Her story underscores the unique pressures physician‑mothers face when pregnancy collides with rigorous clinical duties and highlights gaps in prenatal education for medical professionals.

Ghimire’s second pregnancy presented a dramatically different risk profile. Elevated alpha‑fetoprotein prompted high‑risk monitoring, revealing a non‑functioning kidney and later, severe spinal anomalies in the fetus. Multiple ultrasounds, MRI, and consultations at specialty centers—including a trip to a top pediatric urology unit—culminated in a last‑minute labor at 35 weeks. The rapid dilation, intensive neonatal ICU preparation, and emotional strain of potential loss illustrate the complexities of managing rare fetal conditions while maintaining a demanding career and caring for an older child.

Throughout both narratives, Ghimire emphasizes the critical need for proactive birth education, reliable postpartum resources, and systemic reforms. She points out how insurance delays for a breast pump forced reliance on inadequate manual devices, and how her own lack of structured support led to breastfeeding challenges. For physician‑parents and health‑care systems alike, the episode advocates for comprehensive maternity policies, accessible lactation services, and tailored counseling that respects both clinical expertise and patient vulnerability, ultimately promoting better maternal well‑being and infant outcomes.