open access
Pregnant surgeon — assessment of potential harm to the woman and her unborn child
, 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3
Affiliations- Students’ Scientific Group affiliated to 2nd Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Gastroenterological Oncology, Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- 2nd Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, Poland
open access
Abstract
Although most countries developed regulations concerning pregnant women at work, they are not strictly adjusted for every profession. In the European countries directives prevent pregnant women from working during night shifts, but apart from a vague paragraph about avoiding hazardous agents, there are no guidelines specific for pregnant surgeons. The aim of the study was to analyse the risks and consequences of working in the operating theatre during pregnancy. An in-depth analysis of available literature, laws and regulations concerning health and safety of pregnant surgeons was performed. Not only they are surgeons exposed to radiation and infectious agents like any other physicians, but they also face the risk of strenuous physical activity affecting their pregnancy. The unpredictability of this occupation, prolonged hours and stress associated with work can all affect the future mother and her child. The available research on potential risks for pregnant women performing surgical activities named such consequences as premature birth, miscarriage, foetal growth retardation, hypertensive disorders and infertility. There are no unanimous guidelines for pregnant surgeons on how long and to which extent they should work. The key is to maintain a balance between limiting the likelihood of pregnancy complications and respecting women’s voluntary wish to continue professional development.
Abstract
Although most countries developed regulations concerning pregnant women at work, they are not strictly adjusted for every profession. In the European countries directives prevent pregnant women from working during night shifts, but apart from a vague paragraph about avoiding hazardous agents, there are no guidelines specific for pregnant surgeons. The aim of the study was to analyse the risks and consequences of working in the operating theatre during pregnancy. An in-depth analysis of available literature, laws and regulations concerning health and safety of pregnant surgeons was performed. Not only they are surgeons exposed to radiation and infectious agents like any other physicians, but they also face the risk of strenuous physical activity affecting their pregnancy. The unpredictability of this occupation, prolonged hours and stress associated with work can all affect the future mother and her child. The available research on potential risks for pregnant women performing surgical activities named such consequences as premature birth, miscarriage, foetal growth retardation, hypertensive disorders and infertility. There are no unanimous guidelines for pregnant surgeons on how long and to which extent they should work. The key is to maintain a balance between limiting the likelihood of pregnancy complications and respecting women’s voluntary wish to continue professional development.
Keywords
fetal development; pregnancy; reproductive behaviour; surgeons; surgery
About this articleTitle
Pregnant surgeon — assessment of potential harm to the woman and her unborn child
Journal
Issue
Article type
Review paper
Pages
470-474
Published online
2019-08-30
Page views
1479
Article views/downloads
2125
DOI
Pubmed
Bibliographic record
Ginekol Pol 2019;90(8):470-474.
Keywords
fetal development
pregnancy
reproductive behaviour
surgeons
surgery
Authors
Aleksandra Szczesna
Kinga Grzelak
Monika Bieniasz
Joanna Kacperczyk-Bartnik
Agnieszka Dobrowolska-Redo
Pawel Bartnik
Julia Zareba-Szczudlik
Ewa Romejko-Wolniewicz
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