Pregnant surgeon - assessment of potential harm to the woman and her unborn child.

Although most countries developed regulations concerning pregnant women at work, they are not strictly adjusted forevery profession. In the European countries directives prevent pregnant women from working during night shifts, but apartfrom a vague paragraph about avoiding hazardous agents, there are no guidelines specific for pregnant surgeons. The aimof the study was to analyse the risks and consequences of working in the operating theatre during pregnancy. An in-depthanalysis of available literature, laws and regulations concerning health and safety of pregnant surgeons was performed. Notonly they are surgeons exposed to radiation and infectious agents like any other physicians, but they also face the risk ofstrenuous physical activity affecting their pregnancy. The unpredictability of this occupation, prolonged hours and stressassociated with work can all affect the future mother and her child. The available research on potential risks for pregnantwomen 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 whichextent they should work. The key is to maintain a balance between limiting the likelihood of pregnancy complications andrespecting women's voluntary wish to continue professional development.