A survey of Australian and New Zealand medical parents' experiences of infertility, pregnancy, and parenthood

OBJECTIVE: To describe the incidence of infertility, pregnancy complications, and breastfeeding practices among Australian and New Zealand doctors and identify factors associated with increased pregnancy complication rates. METHODS: A survey of ANZ doctors using an online questionnaire during November 2021. RESULTS: One thousand ninety-nine completed responses were received. The median age of female doctors at the time of their first child was 32.4. Fertility testing was undertaken by 37%, with 27% having in vitro fertilization. More than 60% of respondents delayed family planning due to work. Pregnancy loss occurred in 36% of respondents, and 50% suffered a pregnancy complication. There were significant differences between specialists, with surgeons working longer hours before and after pregnancy, but having greater access to maternity leave than general practitioners. CONCLUSION: Female doctors delay starting and completing their family due to work-related demands and structural biases in career progression, which may result in higher infertility and pregnancy complication rates.