• Krista Lai, Erin M Garvey, Cristine S Velazco, Manrit Gill, Erica M Weidler, Kathleen van Leeuwen, Eugene S Kim, Erika L Rangel, and Gwen M Grimsby.
• Division of Pediatric Surgery, Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ.
• Ann. Surg. 2023 Mar 1; 277 (3): 367372367-372.

ObjectiveThis survey study aims to determine the prevalence of pregnancy complications and infertility in female physicians in comparison to the general population. Risk factors, workplace environment, and education are also examined.BackgroundPhysicians undertake long training and have stressful work environments during optimal childbearing years. While growing literature indicates increased rates of pregnancy complications and infertility in female surgeons, the prevalence in female physicians of all specialties is unknown.MethodsAn anonymous, voluntary survey was distributed to female physicians via private physician social media groups. It queried pregnancy demographics and complications, infertility diagnosis and treatment, workplace environment, and prior education on these topics. Results were compared with general population data, between medical and surgical subspecialties, and between physicians who were and were not educated on the risks of delaying pregnancy.ResultsA total of 4533 female physicians completed the survey. Compared with the general population, female physicians were older at first pregnancy, more often underwent infertility evaluation and treatment, and had higher rates of miscarriage and preterm birth. During training, only 8% of those surveyed received education on the risks of delaying pregnancy. Those who were educated were significantly less likely to experience miscarriage or seek infertility evaluation or treatment. Compared with physicians in nonsurgical specialties, surgeons had fewer children, were older at first pregnancy, had more preterm births and fetal growth problems, and were more likely to be discouraged from starting a family during training and practice.ConclusionsFemale physicians, particularly surgeons, have a significantly greater incidence of miscarriage, infertility, and pregnancy complications compared with the general population. The culture of medicine and surgery must continue to evolve to better support women with family planning during their training and careers.Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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