Abstract
Female physicians, especially those in surgical subspecialties, have an increased risk on subfertility and pregnancy complications, amongst preterm birth, compared to the general population. Long hours and unpredictable work weeks in a working climate that seems to discourage to start a family are contributing to these increased risks. Many physicians were unaware of the negative impact of delayed family planning and often regretted their decision to postpone pregnancy. Although differences between countries exist, also in the Netherlands, despite paid pregnancy and maternity leave, we also may not create the right working climate and truthful pregnancy-protective circumstances for female doctors to be able to work as safely as possible on something that could conceivably be viewed upon as their most important life's work. This American study with provocative title makes worrisome generic matters visible to us as profession, but also to employers in a labor market predominantly staffed by women.
Translated title of the contribution | Female physicians and pregnancy. Does the working climate discourage starting a family? |
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Original language | Dutch |
Article number | D7383 |
Journal | Nederlands Tijdschrift voor Geneeskunde |
Volume | 167 |
Publication status | Published - 16 Mar 2023 |
Keywords
- Pregnancy
- Female
- Infant, Newborn
- Humans
- United States
- Premature Birth
- Employment
- Netherlands
- Pregnancy Complications
- Physicians