Risk Factors for Major Pregnancy Complications in Female Cardiothoracic Surgeons

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Female cardiothoracic surgeons often delay childbearing due to career demands.
• Limited data exists on pregnancy outcomes for women in this specialty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of and risk factors for pregnancy complications in female cardiothoracic surgeons.
• To compare these outcomes with women of similar sociodemographic backgrounds.

Main Methods:

• A 2023 survey of US cardiothoracic surgeons/trainees.
• Data collected on work hours during pregnancy and major antenatal complications.
• Male surgeons provided data on non-surgeon partners.

Main Results:

• Female surgeons had higher complication rates (45.16%) than non-surgeon partners (27.16%).
• Key risk factors included age ≥35 years (OR: 3.28) and operating >12 hours/week in the third trimester (OR: 3.72).
• Many female surgeons worked >60 hours/week and had frequent overnight calls during pregnancy.

Conclusions:

• Female cardiothoracic surgeons experience more pregnancy complications than their non-surgeon counterparts.
• Long operative hours and advanced maternal age are significant risk factors.
• Policies are needed to support maternal-fetal health and childbearing for surgeons.