Pregnancy and maternity protection in cardiology and in pediatric and adolescent cardiology: Consensus paper of the German Cardiac Society (DGK), the German Society for Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects (DGPK) and the German Society for Occupational Medicine and Environmental Medicine (DGAUM)

Abstract

Women in cardiology and pediatric cardiology are exposed to special health risks that may call into question their continued employment during the protected time and may result in company employment bans. Pregnant, breastfeeding and recently postpartum women are subject to special legal protection to protect themselves and their children from irresponsible endangerment and occupational discrimination. The aim of this consensus paper of the German Cardiac Society, the German Society of Pediatric Cardiology and Congenital Heart Defects and the German Society for Occupational Medicine and Environmental Medicine is to present the legal framework of the Maternity Protection Act and to discuss adaptation and redesign options of the working conditions during pregnancy and breastfeeding to enable unrestricted occupational participation and avoid blanket employment bans and the resulting career losses and delays in further training.