Surgeons, Pregnancy, and Work Demands
Lack of workplace support linked to pregnancy outcomes.
By
Kathryn Wighton
March 23, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Surgeons, Pregnancy, and Work Demands
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Obstetric complications in female surgeons Key Mechanisms Lack of workplace support and long working hours Target Population Female surgeons and their childbearing partners Care Setting Surgical practice
Key Highlights
31% of female surgeons reported obstetric complications compared to 23% of partners of male surgeons. Lack of workplace support was reported by over 50% of respondents, with 64% of female surgeons affected. Working more than 60 hours per week increased the risk of complications. Multiple gestation was associated with a six to seven times higher risk of complications. Qualitative responses highlighted barriers such as long hours and inadequate parental leave. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Monitor for obstetric complications in female surgeons. Management
Implement workplace support policies to reduce risks. Monitoring & Follow-up
Regular assessment of work conditions and their impact on pregnancy outcomes. Risks
Increased risk of complications associated with lack of support and long working hours. Patient & Prescribing Data
Female surgeons and their childbearing partners
Address modifiable work conditions to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Clinical Best Practices
Encourage flexible work arrangements for pregnant surgeons. Promote awareness of the impact of work demands on pregnancy. Support policies that enhance parental leave for surgical staff. Related Resources & Content
