Fertility and pregnancy complications in female orthopaedic surgeons.

This article focuses on the fertility, pregnancy-related complications, and workplace attitudes experienced by female orthopaedic surgeons in Israel. A survey of 26 surgeons, representing 68% of the registered female orthopaedic surgeons in the country, found that these surgeons tend to delay childbirth, have a higher rate of pregnancy complications, and are frequently exposed to radiation and bone cement during pregnancy. The average maternity leave was about 19 weeks, with many surgeons ceasing breastfeeding upon returning to work due to workplace challenges. Most participants felt that pregnancy negatively impacted their training, and some reported experiencing negative attitudes from colleagues and supervisors, highlighting the need for personalized support programs during pregnancy and the peripartum period in orthopaedic training.