Fertility and Childbearing Outcomes of Practicing Female Plastic Surgeons | Journal CME Article-Fertility and Childbearing Outcomes of Practicing Female Plastic Surgeons

Fertility and Childbearing Outcomes of Practicing Female Plastic Surgeons | Journal CME Article

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This study surveyed female members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to assess fertility, pregnancy, maternity leave, and breastfeeding outcomes. Of 189 respondents (20% response rate), female plastic surgeons were less likely to have children and had their first child at an older age than women in the U.S. general population. They also reported substantially higher rates of infertility: 54% had difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy, nearly seven times the rate of age-matched U.S. women. Miscarriage was common, affecting 44% of respondents, about three times the U.S. rate.<br /><br />Pregnancy outcomes were also concerning. Among recorded pregnancies, 47% involved obstetric complications, including preterm labor, hypertension, preeclampsia, placenta previa, and placental abruption. Eight percent reported a child with a congenital malformation, higher than general population estimates. Postpartum mental health concerns were also more frequent, with 10% reporting postpartum depression and 30% reporting anxiety.<br /><br />Workplace policies appeared inadequate for many surgeons. The average maternity leave was 6.6 weeks, and 40% took less than the 6 weeks recommended by obstetric guidelines. Dissatisfaction with leave was common. Breastfeeding lasted an average of 7.6 months, but 37% breastfed for less than 6 months and 75% for less than 12 months, falling short of pediatric recommendations. Longer maternity leave was associated with longer breastfeeding duration and greater satisfaction.<br /><br />The authors conclude that practicing female plastic surgeons face elevated reproductive and family-planning risks. They recommend better education, supportive workplace culture, fertility-preservation coverage, childcare access, flexible schedules, improved lactation facilities, and comprehensive paid parental leave policies.

Keywords

female plastic surgeons

fertility

pregnancy outcomes

infertility

miscarriage

maternity leave

breastfeeding

postpartum depression

workplace policies

parental leave