Effect of radiologist pregnancy on the performance of pediatric fluoroscopic studies: a survey of Society for Pediatric Radiology members

Background: To our knowledge, the fluoroscopic practice patterns of pregnant diagnostic radiologists have not been documented.

Objective: To describe the fluoroscopic practice patterns during pregnancy among members of the Society for Pediatric Radiology (SPR) and potential impact on career and professional relationships.

Materials and methods: After approval from the SPR, we sent all 1,847 SPR members an email link to an anonymous online survey that queried how pregnancy affects a practicing radiologist who performs fluoroscopy.

Results: Of the 398 responses (65% female, 35% male), most female respondents (78%) reported having been pregnant while practicing radiology and the majority (85%) performed fluoroscopy during pregnancy. Most performed fluoroscopy during all three trimesters (first 78%, second 90%, third 87%) and the majority (81%) used double-lead. Forty-six percent indicated that their fluoroscopic responsibilities during pregnancy were stressful. Of those who opted to perform fewer fluoroscopy studies, 20% indicated that it impacted negatively on their career or professional relationships. After witnessing a pregnant co-worker perform fewer fluoroscopic studies, 11% (4% male; 16% female; P<0.05) of respondents observed a subsequent negative impact on the co-worker's career or professional relationships.

Conclusion: The majority of responding female SPR members had performed fluoroscopy during pregnancy and most performed fluoroscopy during their entire pregnancy with double-lead. Differences between self-reported adversity and observed adversity of performing less fluoroscopy during pregnancy speak to the lack of awareness of the issues, particularly among male colleagues. A clear policy with regard to performing fluoroscopy during pregnancy for all radiologists in every department is necessary.