Spontaneous and induced abortion among resident physicians

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Occupational Health
• Reproductive Epidemiology

Background:

• Female resident physicians are presumed to have higher risks for third-trimester pregnancy complications.
• Early pregnancy complications in female residents remain less understood.
• This study investigates spontaneous and voluntary pregnancy terminations in female residents versus partners of male residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of spontaneous and voluntary abortions between female medical residents and the sexual partners of male medical residents.
• To assess the impact of medical residency on early pregnancy outcomes.
• To provide data-driven reassurance for pregnant residents.

Main Methods:

• A nationally representative survey of 5096 female medical graduates and 5000 male classmates' partners.
• Analysis of 1284 pregnancies among female residents and 1481 pregnancies among male residents' partners.
• Life-table probability calculations for spontaneous and voluntary abortions.

Main Results:

• The life-table probability of spontaneous abortion was 14.8% for female residents versus 12.6% for male residents' partners.
• Female residents had a higher rate of voluntary termination (8.2%) compared to male residents' partners (2.7%).
• This increased voluntary termination risk persisted in married women and was half that of the general US population (ages 25-34).

Conclusions:

• Female residents experience a higher rate of spontaneous abortions but a lower rate of voluntary terminations than their counterparts.
• The findings suggest that residency occupation does not pose an elevated risk for voluntary pregnancy termination compared to the general population.
• These results can alleviate concerns for residents considering pregnancy during their training.