Do doctors test for pregnancy before arm or shoulder surgery?

It is standard medical practice for doctors to perform a pregnancy test on female patients of childbearing age before scheduled arm or shoulder surgeries that require general anesthesia or sedation. This precaution is taken to ensure the safety of both the pregnant patient and the developing fetus.

Certain medications and anesthesia used during surgical procedures can potentially harm a developing pregnancy, even in the early stages, making it crucial to identify cases and inform expectant mothers of any risks. The test result also assists medical professionals in modifying procedures or treatments during pregnancy to ensure optimal safety for both the patient and the fetus.