Work Stress & Pregnancy Complications in Cardiologists & CV Team Members

Operate-Related Stressors Linked to Pregnancy Complications for Cardiologists and CV Team Members

Pregnant physicians and cardiovascular team members experiencing work-related stressors may face a higher risk of pregnancy complications, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2026 Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26) and published in JACC: Advances.¹

Estefania Oliveros Soles, MD, FACC, and colleagues analyzed data from 6,786 women of the ACC through an email survey. The survey gathered information on pre-pregnancy health, lifestyle factors, work environment during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes. The study included 921 pregnancies from 273 physicians and 211 cardiovascular team members. The survey was endorsed by the ACC Cardiovascular Disease in Women Committee, the ACC Women in Cardiology Leadership Council and the ACC Cardiovascular Team Section Leadership Council.

The research revealed that 39% of respondents experienced at least one pregnancy or fetal complication. Specific factors associated with increased risk included being unpartnered during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.439, 95% CI 1.048-11.283), undergoing fertility treatments (aOR 1.552, 95% CI 1.037-2.323), taking on additional work duties during pregnancy (aOR 1.402, 95% CI 1.015-1.936), and having inflexible work schedules (aOR 1.495, 95% CI 1.084-2.062).¹

Nearly 40% of pregnancies with complications also involved fetal issues such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and small-for-gestational-age.¹

Study Limitations

The investigators acknowledged certain limitations, including a low survey response rate of 9% and the reliance on self-reported outcomes. They noted that the survey participants may not fully represent the entire cardiovascular patient care team.¹

Potential Solutions

Despite these limitations, the authors suggest that addressing work-related stressors could improve outcomes for pregnant physicians and cardiovascular team members. Potential solutions include adjusting call responsibilities, providing schedule flexibility, ensuring adequate coverage during and after pregnancy, and implementing institutional policies that support work accommodations during pregnancy, the postpartum period, and breastfeeding.¹

Keywords: ACC Annual Scientific Session, ACC26, Personnel Staffing and Scheduling, Postpartum Period, Organizational Policy, Patient Care Team, Pregnancy, Cardiologists

1. Oliveros Soles, E., et al. Work-Related Stressors and Pregnancy Outcomes of Cardiologists and CV Team Members. JACC: Advances. Published online March 24, 2026. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacadv.2026.102700