Pregnancy within the surgical work system: Persistent demands with limited adaptation

This study aimed to characterize surgical work exposures during pregnancy, pregnancy-related symptoms, and the extent to which workplace accommodations aligned with these demands.

An anonymous REDCap survey was distributed through the Association of Women Surgeons. Participants reported work demands, pregnancy symptoms, functional impact, workplace accommodations, and pregnancy outcomes. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively, and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.

74 surveys were completed; 56 respondents reported at least one pregnancy, representing 127 pregnancies. Participants continued demanding clinical work into late pregnancy, including prolonged clinical duties (30.5 ± 12.5 weeks), 24-hr shifts (24.0 ± 15.3 weeks), and repetitive lifting (26.3 ± 14.4 weeks). Fatigue, nausea, and pelvic/back pain were the most common symptoms impairing performance, yet accommodations were uncommon. Qualitative analysis identified persistent work demands, pregnancy complications, and limited institutional support.

Pregnancy in surgical practice highlights a systems-level opportunity to better align workplace expectations with physiological demands through individualized accommodations and supportive institutional policies.