Physical and Mental Health Among Sexual and Gender Minorities During Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum

Plain-language summary

Mental illness increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes (e.g. preterm birth), obstetric complications (e.g. emergency caesarean, birth injuries), and birth trauma. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) people on average experience increased mental illness. Therefore these risks are increased, with risk of prolonged ill health. Despite this, research in this area is scanty. The present project will provide important knowledge for improving the reproductive health of SGM people. The overall purpose of the project is to increase knowledge about physical and mental health (including fear of childbirth) during pregnancy and postpartum in SGM people. The project has the following aims: PART I 2017 - 2021Pilotstudy 1. To study fear of childbirth (FOC) among SGM people in Sweden; prevalence and factors associated to FOC 2. To investigate reasons to and consequences of FOC in SGM people PART II 2022-2027 Main study 3. To explore whether SGM people in Sweden have an increased incidence of mental illness during and after pregnancy, adverse birth outcomes, obstetric complications and birth trauma. 4. To explore how pre- and postnatal mental health, minority stress, and fear of childbirth correlate to birth outcomes, birth experience, and obstetric complications in SGM people. This is important for identifying specific risk factors for difficult births, and to explore postpartum health effects. 5. To explore in-depth how SGM people have experienced adverse birth outcomes, obstetric complications, and birth trauma, with a specific focus on minority stress and experiences of care during and after pregnancy and childbirth.

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