Being a man,but using the body as a woman - Norwegian midwives’ thoughts on providing antenatal care for pregnant transmen

ObjectiveTo explore midwives’ thoughts on providing antenatal care to pregnant transmen.MethodsA qualitative study based on semi-structured, individual interviews with 12 midwives during January 2022. Systematic text condensation was used for data analysis.ResultsThe analysis of the data material resulted in three result categories: 1) Gender transition and the desire to have children - exposure of the phenomenon can help to avoid stigmatisation, 2) A pregnant person is a pregnant person no matter what - the midwife's role in meeting a pregnant man, and 3) Being a man but using the body as a woman - the knowledge is lacking in the textbooks.ConclusionThe study showed that midwives have little knowledge about pregnant transmen. The knowledge gaps will remain unfilled unless more research is done on the topic, and sufficient information provides for good procedures and standards of care. Access to information about pregnant transmen and experiences of their encounters with midwives will contribute with new knowledge and over time, changes in attitudes, both professional and private.