Minority stress adds an additional layer to fear of childbirth in lesbian and bisexual women, and transgender people

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore and describe thoughts about and experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and reproductive healthcare in lesbian and bisexual women and transgender people (LBT) with an expressed fear of childbirth (FOC). DesignData were collected through semi-structured interviews with self-identified LBTs with an expressed FOC. Participants17 self-identified LBTs participated. 15 had an expressed FOC, and two were non-afraid partners. FindingsParticipants’ fears were similar to those previously described in research on FOC, e.g., fear of pain, injury, blood, death of the child or of the parent. However, minority stress, including fear and experiences of prejudicial treatment, in maternity care and at delivery wards add an additional layer to the fear of childbirth. Key conclusionsLBTs with FOC are a particularly vulnerable group of patients, whose needs must be addressed in healthcare. Implication for practiceThe findings call attention to the need for LBT-competent treatment prior to, and throughout pregnancy and childbirth. In the most vulnerable patients, caregivers must work extensively to build trust, in order to explore and reduce FOC.