Health professionals' understanding of care during pregnancy and postpartum period for transgender individuals

Abstract

This is a qualitative and exploratory study aimed at understanding healthcare assistance during the pregnancy and postpartum period for transgender individuals at a reference hospital in Pernambuco, Brazil. Sixteen healthcare professionals between the ages of 30 and 54 were interviewed, revealing important insights regarding their knowledge of gender identity and specific care for this population. The results highlighted five main themes: sexual and gender constructs, deep-seated societal prejudices and stereotypes, an inability to provide appropriate care, symbolic sterilization linked to a misunderstanding of the capacity for pregnancy in trans men, and a lack of preparation during their professional training. These findings underscore the need for the introduction of discussions in healthcare curricula, as well as ongoing training and education to enhance the approach and care provided to this population. This underscores the importance of implementing specific policies and training programs to ensure adequate healthcare assistance for transgender individuals during the pregnancy and postpartum period.