Experience During Pregnancy, Childbirth, and at One Year Postpartum by Trans-Men and X-Gender Individuals: A Qualitative Research by Semi-Structured Interviews

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the perspectives of biological women who do not self-identify as women and have experienced childbirth regarding the physical and mental changes associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

Participants and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with trans-men (biological female and self-identified as male) or X-gender individuals (biological female and self-identified as neither female nor male), and those who had experienced pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and childrearing. Thematic analysis was the chosen methodological approach.

Result: Four themes were extracted from the narratives of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences of six participants; “emotional turmoil about life after pregnancy and childbirth,” “awareness of physical changes as women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period ,” “discomfort with the general gender norms that pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding are for women and mothers,” and “different feelings arising from the relationship with the health care providers based on disclosure of gender identity.”

Conclusion: The present study suggests that midwives should provide care that is not only cisgender-based, but should also embrace a commitment to exploring ways in which they can care for diverse genders and sexualities.