Becoming pregnant whilst you are undertaking a doctorate poses a number of challenges. However, it is possible to cope with and many women have successfully gone on to complete their doctorate whilst pregnant or with small children.
If you become pregnant during your doctorate you may want to think through the implications before you announce the happy news to your colleagues and supervisor(s). It is best to tell them as early on as is practical because of medical, health and safety and other implications. In order to prepare, consider any possible concerns they may have and have possible solutions ready.
Find out from your funding body what the situation is with funding. Will your funding be extended by the same amount as your maternity leave?
Don’t make unrealistic demands on yourself or make unrealistic promises. Most women find it hard to carry on doing heavy practical work until the last moment and you are unlikely to get much done during your maternity break.