News | Study Reports the Specific Maternity Care Needs of Transgender Men
Pregnancy Experiences of Transgender Men Reveal Gaps in Gender-Inclusive Care
On March 1, 2023, Amsterdam UMC published the first qualitative study of transgender people's experiences with maternity care in the Netherlands. Available as a preprint in Midwifery, it examined the full journey of transgender men from preconception through childbirth and postpartum recovery, identifying distinct needs and challenges.
Pregnancy Options for Transgender Men Medical interventions used to align the body with a male gender identity can affect fertility. Some transgender men therefore decline, delay, or temporarily stop treatment to preserve the possibility of pregnancy. This decision involves both medical considerations and social perceptions.
Lack of Social and Environmental Support The team, including resident Jojanneke van Amesfoort and gynecologist Norah van Mello, interviewed five Dutch transgender men who had completed one or more pregnancies. Their experiences differed significantly from those of pregnant women.
Transgender men often struggled to gain understanding because society generally views pregnancy as feminine. Finding suitable healthcare professionals was also difficult and caused some to abandon plans for pregnancy. Concerns included pregnancy's effect on gender transition and fear of negative reactions from healthcare professionals.
These findings were consistent with international research showing that pregnant transgender men commonly experience isolation and increased gender dysphoria, the distress caused by gender incongruence.
Limited Medical Knowledge and Institutional Support These problems were especially evident after delivery. Many participants said biological parents who do not identify as women receive inadequate medical and legal support. They felt healthcare professionals lacked sufficient knowledge and understanding to guide transgender and gender-diverse people.
Urgent Need for Gender-Inclusive Clinical Guidance The findings emphasize major gaps in gender-inclusive care in the Netherlands and internationally. Clear guidelines are needed to help transgender and gender-diverse people obtain appropriate referrals and support.
News | Study Reports the Specific Maternity Care Needs of Transgender Men
News | Study Reports the Specific Maternity Care Needs of Transgender Men
Pregnancy Experiences of Transgender Men Reveal Gaps in Gender-Inclusive Care
On March 1, 2023, Amsterdam UMC published the first qualitative study of transgender people's experiences with maternity care in the Netherlands. Available as a preprint in Midwifery, it examined the full journey of transgender men from preconception through childbirth and postpartum recovery, identifying distinct needs and challenges.
Pregnancy Options for Transgender Men
Medical interventions used to align the body with a male gender identity can affect fertility. Some transgender men therefore decline, delay, or temporarily stop treatment to preserve the possibility of pregnancy. This decision involves both medical considerations and social perceptions.
Lack of Social and Environmental Support
The team, including resident Jojanneke van Amesfoort and gynecologist Norah van Mello, interviewed five Dutch transgender men who had completed one or more pregnancies. Their experiences differed significantly from those of pregnant women.
Transgender men often struggled to gain understanding because society generally views pregnancy as feminine. Finding suitable healthcare professionals was also difficult and caused some to abandon plans for pregnancy. Concerns included pregnancy's effect on gender transition and fear of negative reactions from healthcare professionals.
These findings were consistent with international research showing that pregnant transgender men commonly experience isolation and increased gender dysphoria, the distress caused by gender incongruence.
Limited Medical Knowledge and Institutional Support
These problems were especially evident after delivery. Many participants said biological parents who do not identify as women receive inadequate medical and legal support. They felt healthcare professionals lacked sufficient knowledge and understanding to guide transgender and gender-diverse people.
Urgent Need for Gender-Inclusive Clinical Guidance
The findings emphasize major gaps in gender-inclusive care in the Netherlands and internationally. Clear guidelines are needed to help transgender and gender-diverse people obtain appropriate referrals and support.
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Collected online