“Pregnant and Operating”: Evaluation of a Germany-wide Survey Among Female Gynaecologists and Surgeons

Abstract

The current law on the protection of expectant and nursing mothers largely rules out surgical activities during pregnancy for female doctors who perform surgical roles in hospitals. The proportion of female junior staff in gynaecology amounts to 80?%, and, for many of these women, surgical further training is not possible following official notification of an existing pregnancy. In a Germany-wide survey of female gynaecologists and surgeons using a questionnaire, it was determined to what extent female doctors worked in surgery during pregnancy, whether it led to complications in the pregnancy, when the employer was notified about the pregnancy, and what desire for change there is with regard to the law on the protection of expectant and nursing mothers. The data from 164 female doctors, of which 136 are gynaecologists and 28 surgeons, was evaluated. On average, the pregnancy was announced during the 14th week of pregnancy (WOP), and the doctor was not allowed to perform surgical activities in the 21st WOP. Female doctors in higher professional roles tended to announce the pregnancy later and ended their surgical activities later. There was no link between the time of ceasing surgical activities and an increased occurrence of complaints or complications during the pregnancy. In total, only 53?% of respondents had an appraisal during pregnancy and 75?% wanted a change in the law on the protection of expectant and nursing mothers.

Career intentions of female surgeons in German liver transplant centers considering family and lifestyle priorities

“…Most respondents wished for a change in the German law on the protection of expectant and nursing mothers to continue working in surgery during pregnancy [18]. We need to identify such notable barriers to achieving desired career intentions in this highly motivated workforce of female surgeons.…”

Pregnant surgeon — assessment of potential harm to the woman and her unborn child

“…Most of listed risk factors have been analysed in various studies in order to examine whether there is any association between performing surgeries and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) or preterm delivery. A questionnaire conducted in Germany did not reveal any increase in the risk of complications among pregnant surgeons in comparison to the general population [2]. Another study proved a correlation between preterm delivery and long working hours, shift work, lifting, standing and heavy physical workload, all of which are included in surgeon's activities [3].…”

“…It is not clearly restricted, at which stage of gestation women are advised to stop operating. Moreover, it is shown that there is a predilection among consultants to cease operating significantly later in comparison to assistant doctors [2]. Also, more experienced surgeons holding higher positions show a tendency to inform their supervisors about their pregnancy later than their younger colleagues [2].…”

“…Such sociologic transformation entails enforcement of law towards childbearing-friendly surgical training programs. Statistically, most of female surgeons have at least one child during their career and do not cease their surgical activities until 21 st gestational week [2]. It is not clearly restricted, at which stage of gestation women are advised to stop operating.…”

“…Moreover, it is shown that there is a predilection among consultants to cease operating significantly later in comparison to assistant doctors [2]. Also, more experienced surgeons holding higher positions show a tendency to inform their supervisors about their pregnancy later than their younger colleagues [2]. In a Germany-wide survey 80% of female gynaecologists and surgeons expressed a desire for a change of the law that strains from work and/or traineeship [2].…”