International studies have demonstrated unique trends in early parenting and fertility in medical doctors, however there is limited Australian data.
Aims: To describe the experiences of medical professionals regarding fertility, pregnancy and early parenting experiences.
Methods: An online survey was distributed by specialty colleges and societies to medical doctors, with completion between August 2022 and August 2023.
Results: Four-hundred and twenty-three people completed the survey, 89% were female with a median age of 36 years (interquartile range [IQR] 33-43) and the majority were in heterosexual relationships. Most responders had completed specialist training and the two largest groups of specialties represented were physicians (including 20 endocrinologists) and emergency medicine doctors. Most (71%) of the respondents had children, with the median number of children 2 (IQR 1-2). Pregnancy loss had been experienced by 31% (n=127) of respondents; of those who experienced pregnancy loss at less than 12 weeks gestation, most did not have any time off work. Of those who experienced pregnancy loss, most would have liked more time off work, and their pregnancy loss was not acknowledged by their work or colleagues. One-hundred and twenty-five (31%) of couples had undergone testing for infertility and 20% (n=80) had used assisted reproductive technologies. The median age of first-time mothers was 32 (IQR 30-35), and almost half of responders had their first child when they were undertaking accredited specialist registrar training. The majority of respondents (60%, n=209) reported delaying having children due to their medical training. Most parents (70%, n=156) reduced their work schedule during the first 5 years of parenthood.
Conclusion: The age of first pregnancy and rates of pregnancy loss were higher in this cohort than the national averages. Doctors delay pregnancy and have high rates of infertility. Pregnancy loss is common and is rarely acknowledged by workplaces or colleagues in medicine.