Neurosurgery
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Neurosurgery is male dominated with women representing only 12% of residents and 5% of practicing neurosurgeons. The conflicting demands of training versus pregnancy and motherhood are significant deterrents to women entering the field. We examined pregnancy incidence and timing, perinatal complications, and the perceived career impact of motherhood on female neurosurgeons using an anonymous survey of 643 training, practicing, and retired female neurosurgeons from the United States. ⋯ Female neurosurgeons face challenges surrounding family planning different from those faced by male practitioners. Higher perinatal and fetal complications, backlash from colleagues, and demanding workload are significant issues. Progress requires institutional support and mentorship for women to create a more diverse field of practitioners.