High Rate of Pregnancy Complication and Workplace Challenges in Female Surgeons Compared with Nonsurgeons

INTRODUCTION: Medical training occurs during optimal childbearing years. Recent studies report increased rate of infertility and pregnancy complication in female surgeons, but it is unknown how they compare to nonsurgeons, who also endure prolonged training, long work hours, and high stress environments. The goal of this study is to compare pregnancy demographics, outcomes, and workplace environment between surgeons and nonsurgeons. METHODS: A voluntary anonymous survey was distributed to female physicians through private social media groups and personal communication from June 2021 to August 2021. The survey queried pregnancy history and complication, infertility treatment and diagnoses, and workplace environment. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 4,533 female physicians including 1,089 (24%) surgeons. Compared with nonsurgeons, surgeons had fewer children (1.9 vs 2.0, p < 0.05), were older at first pregnancy (32.1 vs 31.7 years, p < 0.05), and experienced more preterm birth (23% vs 20%, p < 0.05) and fetal growth problems (6% vs 4%, p < 0.05). Surgeons were more likely to have children during residency (42% vs 33%, p < 0.05). Rate of miscarriage and infertility evaluation and treatment was similar between groups. Surgeons worked more hours per week on average (62 vs 52 hours, p < 0.05) and were more likely to be discouraged from starting a family during training/practice (53% vs 38%, p < 0.05). They received less workplace support (66% vs 69%, p < 0.05) and breastfeeding/pumping accommodation (58% vs 66%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Female surgeons experience a high rate of pregnancy complication and greater workplace challenges during pregnancy compared with nonsurgeons. There is an opportunity to change the culture of medicine to better support female surgeons.