At Massachusetts General Hospital’s oncology unit, nursing director Ellen Fitzgerald has had a string of identical conversations in recent months. Fourteen different nurses have walked into her office, each with the same announcement: “I am pregnant.”

This unique phenomenon is unfolding in a department that treats some of the most critical cases, including patients battling leukemia and undergoing bone marrow transplants. Adding to the amazement, four more nurses in the same unit have already given birth earlier this year, bringing the total number of new or soon-to-be mothers in the department to 18.

For Fitzgerald, the challenge of preparing for so many maternity leaves at once might sound overwhelming. But she insists that the excitement outweighs the stress. “I don’t know that you can be anything but joyful about bringing life into the world,” she explained. “We will take care of our patients, and we will take care of our nurses.”

Creating Support Systems for the Baby Boom

To manage the wave of pregnancies, Fitzgerald has already created a spreadsheet to track schedules and is setting up a dedicated lactation room so her team can pump in comfort and privacy. The hospital has also authorized her to over-hire for the unit — something she’s never done in her career — ensuring patients won’t miss out on care while nurses take their well-deserved maternity leave.

The pregnant nurses, most of whom are in their 30s, describe the experience as both surreal and uplifting. Kathleen Chivers, who is expecting a baby girl in September, said: “It’s a blessing because I feel so supported by my manager and colleagues who have become my close friends. I feel so lucky.”

From swapping maternity clothes to keeping snacks on hand for one another, the nurses have turned their simultaneous pregnancies into a bonding experience that extends beyond work. Sally Alexander, due in June, explained: “We do serious work, but we have a lot of fun together and are very close. Now, we’re even more supportive because some people can’t walk as fast or need a little extra help.”

First-Time Moms Leaning on Each Other

For some, like Chelsey Johnson, who is expecting her first child — a boy — next month, the support has been invaluable. “Being pregnant is really a wild ride, and you don’t know what to expect,” she said. “But I’ve had 13 other people to ask. It’s been both happy and reassuring.”

Doctors, however, caution against overthinking the “coincidence.” Dr. Joanne Stone, director of maternal-fetal medicine at Mt. Sinai Hospital, explained: “It’s more likely people around the same age are going through the same thing, and seeing others manage pregnancy encourages them. It’s more of an atmospheric effect than a medical reason.”

Plans for the Future

The nurses will each take an average of 12 weeks of maternity leave, with Fitzgerald confirming the hospital has pledged its full support despite budget concerns. “Yes, I will be over budget, but the hospital understands we must have coverage. Around here, it’s just causing smiles,” she said.

To make the moment even more special, one nurse, Caroline Arriggi, revealed she is expecting twins, bringing the eventual baby count in the unit to at least 19. She is already organizing a photo shoot in November featuring all the babies born to the oncology team this year.

The coworkers are also planning future playdates for their children, ensuring the bond they share at work continues into the next generation. With a laugh, they admitted they wouldn’t be surprised if more pregnancy announcements appear in the months ahead. When asked about the final due date in the current wave of pregnancies, they responded in unison: “November. That we know of.”

Arriggi summed it up best: “A lot of us are in that age bracket where people are having their first child or planning for another. I think Ellen [Fitzgerald] just has to get used to all these pregnancies all the time.”