This chapter explores the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals during pregnancy and childbirth, with a particular focus on birth trauma. While birth trauma has not been extensively studied in LGBTQ+ parents, research indicates that this population experiences a higher incidence of factors that increase vulnerability to traumatic birth experiences. Within this chapter, we examine key risk factors for birth trauma among LGBTQ+ individuals, including pre-existing mental health conditions, lower levels of family support, and experiences of poor-quality care during labour and birth, often due to homophobia and transphobia. The chapter then delves into how these vulnerabilities intersect with minority stress and cisheteronormative health care structures to create additional challenges for LGBTQ+ parents while highlighting the importance of building trust between health care providers and LGBTQ+ families. Discussion also addresses specific risk factors during pregnancy and the importance and methods of providing tailored support during and after birth. Strategies for health care professionals to improve care and reduce the risk of birth trauma for LGBTQ+ families include using inclusive language, providing LGBTQ+ specific information, and striving for continuity of care. Overall, this chapter brings to light what constitutes a “good birth” for LGBTQ+ parents, emphasising the need for respectful, individualised care that acknowledges diverse family structures and parenting roles.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the association between the total cumulative oxytocin dose during labour and adverse postpartum outcomes, childbirth experience and breastfeeding in term primiparous women with spontaneous onset of labour.

Study design: A prospective observational multicentre study, including 1395 women with spontaneous labour, in seven hospitals in Southeast Sweden. Multivariable logistic regression (Crude Odds Ratios (OR) and adjusted OR (aOR) for relevant confounders) was used to analyze the association between oxytocin dose and postpartum outcomes. The exposure was the cumulative oxytocin dose during labour, classified in percentiles (<25th, 25-75th, >75th). The outcomes were occurrence of obstetric anal sphincter injury, postpartum haemorrhage (blood loss > 1000 ml), Apgar score < 7 at five minutes, umbilical cord arterial pH, postpartum bladder overdistension, exclusive breastfeeding at one week and three months, and the woman’s perceived birth experience.

Results: Women receiving high amounts (>75th percentile, >4370 mU) of oxytocin infusion during labour had an increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage (OR 2.73 (1.78–4.19)), an overdistended bladder (OR 2.19 (1.11–4.31)), an infant with an Apgar score < 7 at five minutes (OR 2.89 (1.27–6.57)), a negative birth experience (OR 1.83 (1.25–2.69)), and a decreased chance of exclusive breastfeeding at one week (OR 0.63 (0.41–0.96)). After adjusting for confounders, all outcomes remained statistically significant except risk of low Apgar score and chance of exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusion: In women with high cumulative oxytocin dose during labour prompt, and prophylactic administration of uterotonics after delivery of the placenta should be considered to reduce the risk of postpartum haemorrhage. The risk for bladder overdistension can be reduced by implementing routines for observation for signs of bladder filling in the early postpartum period, as well as routine use of bladder scans post micturition to assess for successful bladder emptying. As women’s birth experience have a major impact on their future mental health, should be routinely assessed postpartum, and support should be offered to women with negative experiences.

Purpose The primary aim of this study was to assess patient-centeredness of endometriosis care in a national sample of Swedish women with endometriosis. The secondary aims were to assess the importance of different dimensions of endometriosis care and to analyze demographic and clinical determinants associated with the experience of patient-centeredness. Methods This cross-sectional study included 476 women with confirmed endometriosis. An invitation to participate was sent to 1000 randomly selected women aged &gt;= 18 years having any endometriosis diagnosis and who had visited a gynecological clinic due to endometriosis problems any time during the past five years. Participants were recruited from ten different-sized gynecology clinics all over Sweden. The invitation letter had a link to the digital survey, which consisted of demographic and clinical questions, and the ENDOCARE questionnaire (ECQ). ECQ measures experiences, importance and patient-centeredness of ten dimensions of endometriosis care. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used to analyze which patient-specific demographic and clinical determinants were associated with the experience of patient-centeredness. Results The response rate was 48%. The results indicate that Swedish women with endometriosis experience low patient-centeredness and rate relational aspects with healthcare professionals as the most important aspects of care. Having a gynecologist with patient responsibility was an independent predictor for high patient-centeredness. Conclusion Women with endometriosis in Sweden experience low patient-centeredness, reflecting the urgent need for improvement. More effort should be given to develop the relational aspects of care. Women with endometriosis should have a responsible gynecologist to care for treatment and follow-up.

Introduction The primary aim of this study was to determine the incidence of patient-reported pain 1 year after hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions in relation to occurrence of preoperative pain. The secondary aim was to analyze clinical risk factors for pain 1 year after the hysterectomy in women with and without preoperatively reported pelvic/lower abdominal pain. Material and methods This was a historical cohort study using data from the Swedish National Quality Registry for Gynecological Surgery on 16 694 benign hysterectomies. Data were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models. Results One year after surgery, 22.4% of women with preoperative pain reported pelvic pain and 7.8% reported de novo pelvic pain. For those with preoperative pain younger age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-2.23 and aOR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10-1.34 for women aged &lt;35 and 35-44 years, respectively), not being gainfully employed (aOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.26-1.63), pelvic pain as the main symptom leading to hysterectomy (aOR 1.51, 95% CI 1.19-1.90), endometriosis (aOR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06-1.31), and laparoscopic hysterectomy (aOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.07-1.58), were clinically relevant independent risk factors for pelvic/lower abdominal pain 1 year after surgery, as were postoperative complications within 8 weeks after discharge. Meanwhile, clinically relevant independent risk factors for reporting de novo pain 1 year after surgery were younger age (aOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.08-3.86 and aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04-1.60 for women aged &lt;35 and 35-44 years, respectively), and postoperative complications within 8 weeks after discharge. Conclusions The incidence of pelvic pain and de novo pain 1 year after hysterectomy was relatively high. Women with and without reported preoperative pelvic/lower abdominal pain represented clinically different populations. The risk factors for pelvic pain seemed to differ in these two populations. The differences in risk factors could be taken into consideration in the preoperative counseling and in the decision-making concerning method of hysterectomy, provided that large well-designed studies confirm these risk factors.

The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of previous trauma exposure among expectant birth-giving parents and their partners within a LBTQ population. The secondary aims were to compare fear of childbirth (FOC) and quality of life (QoL) in relation to previous trauma exposure in pregnant LBTQ people and their partners. A further aim was to analyze associations between severe FOC and clinical and demographic factors in this population. Data was collected from a Swedish LGBTQ competent antenatal clinic. Trauma-exposed pregnant (n = 32) and non-pregnant (n = 21) individuals and pregnant (n = 48) and non-pregnant (n = 30) individuals without previous trauma experiences responded to instruments measuring FOC (Wijma Delivery Expectancy Questionnaire) and QoL (EuroQol 5 D-index/-visual analogue scale, VAS). Differences between groups were assessed using non-parametric tests. The proportion of trauma exposure was similar among pregnant responders and their partners (40.0% vs. 41.2%). Trauma-exposed pregnant respondents had a significantly higher prevalence of severe FOC compared to the pregnant respondents without previous trauma. Pregnant trauma-exposed respondents scored lower on EQ5D-VAS than pregnant respondents without trauma, as did non-pregnant trauma exposed respondents compared with non-pregnant -respondents without trauma. Furthermore, trauma-exposed non-pregnant respondents scored lower on the EQ5D-index compared to non-pregnant respondents without trauma. Previous trauma was the only clinical and demographic factor that had any significant association withto severe FOC in the regression analysis. In conclusion, our results suggest that previous trauma exposure may contribute to the risk of suffering from severe FOC and lower QoL among LBTQ-identifying prospective parents.

Background: Painful menstruation is common among girls. To optimize school nurses' work more knowledgeabout their experiences of supporting these girls is needed. The aim of this study was to describe school nurses'experiences of supporting girls with menstrual pain.Methods: Interviews were conducted with 15 school nurses in Sweden and analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: Three themes emerged: Taking menstrual pain seriously, Being a disseminator of knowledge, andExternal conditions for conducting professional work as a school nurse.Conclusion: School nurses felt competent in supporting girls with menstrual pain. However, they lacked struc-tural, written guidelines and routines for how to treat, support, follow-up and refer girls with menstrual pain.Practice implications: School education about menstruation and sexual health needs to be strengthened. Cooper-ation with other healthcare facilities and networks with other school nurses should be increased. Specific guide-lines on how to support girls with menstrual pain should be implemented.

Background: Most studies of fear of childbirth (FOC) are conducted on heterosexual cisgender pregnant populations of birth-giving parents. Among lesbian and bisexual women, as well as transgender and queer people (LBTQ), minority stress can add an extra layer to FOC. Gender binary and cisnormative assumptions leave it to the patient to educate and navigate healthcare providers, which can increase mental health problems. Objective: The aim of this study is to compare FOC and mental illness among expecting birth-giving parents and their partners in an LBTQ population. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 80 self-identified pregnant LBTQ persons and their 54 non-pregnant partners at a LBTQ specialized antenatal clinic in a large Swedish city of over one million inhabitants. The survey included socio-demographic characteristics, sexual and gender orientation, obstetric history, previous mental health, previous trauma exposure and measures of FOC and mental health. Results: Levels of FOC were significantly higher for the pregnant participants (median W-DEQ 67.5) than for partners (median W-DEQ 60.0). The proportion of severe FOC was higher for pregnant participants (20.3%) than for partners (9.4%), although this difference was not statistically significant. Mental illness was significantly associated with FOC. Conclusion: The results add valuable information to our understanding of the specific needs of pregnant LBTQ people and their partners and may help us to develop healthcare in the future.

Background The effects of diagnosing and treating labor dystocia with oxytocin infusion at different cervical dilatations have not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether cervical dilatation at diagnosis of dystocia and initiation of oxytocin infusion at different stages of cervical dilatation were associated with mode of birth, obstetric complications and womens birthing experience. Methods A retrospective cohort study, including 588 nulliparous term women with spontaneous onset of labor and dystocia requiring oxytocin augmentation. The study population was divided into three groups according to cervical dilatation at diagnosis of dystocia and initiation of oxytocin-infusion (&lt;= 5 cm, 6-10 cm, fully dilated) with mode of birth as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were obstetrical and neonatal complications and women s experience of childbirth. Statistical comparison between groups using Chi-square and ANOVA was performed. The risk of operative birth (cesarean section and instrumental birth) was assessed using binary logistic regression with suitable adjustments (maternal age, body mass index and risk assessment on admission to the labor ward). Results The cesarean section rate differed between the groups (p &lt; 0.001); 12% in the &lt;= 5 cm group, 6% in the 6-10 cm group and 0% in the fully dilated group. There was no increased risk for operative birth in the &lt;= 5 cm group compared to the 6-10 cm group, adjusted OR 1.28 95%CI (0.78-2.08). The fully dilated group had a decreased risk of operative birth (adjusted OR 0.48 95%CI (0.27-0.85). The rate of a negative birthing experience was high in all groups (28.5%, 19% and 18%) but was only increased among women in the &lt;= 5 cm group compared with the 6-10 cm group, adjusted OR 1.76 95%CI (1.05-2.95). Conclusions Although no difference in the risk of operative birth was found between the &lt;= 5 cm and 6-10 cm cervical dilatation-groups, the cesarean section rate was highest in women with dystocia requiring oxytocin augmentation at &lt;= 5 cm cervical dilatation. This might indicate that oxytocin augmentation before 6 cm cervical dilatation could be contra-productive in preventing cesarean sections. Further, the increased risk of negative birth experience in the &lt;= 5 cm group should be kept in mind to improve labor care.

Background: Menstrual pain is relatively common among young girls. Many girls turn to youth clinics when seeking care for menstrual problems. Objective: The objective of the study was to describe midwives’ experiences of supporting girls with menstrual pain. Methods: This is a qualitative study with an inductive approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 midwives working at Swedish youth clinics. Interviews were held in September 2021. The recordings were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Two main themes, consisting of three subthemes each, emerged: Guiding and educating young women about menstrual pain and Striving toward pain relief. It was important to the midwives to increase young womens knowledge of menstrual pain and coping strategies, and to guide them in finding a method for menstrual pain relief. Hormonal contraceptives were often a natural choice and an effective method for pain relief, although the midwives occasionally faced resistance from young women or their mothers when recommending this. The midwives also referred to a gynecologist if needed. Conclusion: The results highlight that midwives working at youth clinics have an important role in the care of young women with menstrual pain. The midwives found it important to increase young womens knowledge about menstrual pain and coping strategies, since they had noticed knowledge gaps in these areas. The results suggest a need to improve education about menstrual pain and coping strategies for young women, preferably in school and in cooperation with healthcare professionals. © 2022 The Author(s)

The Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30) is focusing on the effect of endometriosis symptoms upon health-related quality of life. The aim of this study was to pre-test and culturally adapt the Swedish version of EHP-30. Eighteen Swedish-speaking women with laparoscopically verified diagnosis of endometriosis answered the questionnaire and 17 were interviewed regarding their interpretations of the questionnaire. Demographics, distribution of answers, roof-ceiling effects and missing answers were analysed. The interviews were analysed using the qualitative approach proposed by Beaton et al. The Swedish version of EHP-30 was experienced as accessible with 100% data completeness and a roof effect (11%) in one dimension. Some women had difficulties with the instructions and one word should be replaced in order to culturally adapt the questionnaire. In conclusion, the Swedish version of EHP-30 is a useful and well-accepted questionnaire for women with endometriosis in Sweden, but a minor change of wording is recommended.Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric testing are crucial when introducing translated questionnaires. Cross-cultural adaptation is a process that looks at both translational and cultural issues when a questionnaire is being prepared for use in another country than the original. EHP-30 has been translated into Swedish but has not yet been cross-culturally adapted. What do the results of this study add? The Swedish version of EHP-30 was experienced as a useful and well-accepted questionnaire for women with endometriosis, but a minor change of wording is recommended in one question to make the questionnaire convergent with the original version.