Limited research exists on the obstetric risk profiles of women in same-sex relationships (WSSR) undergoing childbirth. Population-based cohort study including deliveries in the Swedish Stockholm-Gotland regions, January 2008-June 2020. Linkage with national health and quality registers provided data on relationships status. Characteristics of WSSR were compared with those of women in different-sex relationships. Of the 289 979 included deliveries, 1 292 (0.45%) were to WSSR. Compared to women in different-sex relationships, WSSR were more likely to be older, nulliparous, of Swedish origin, and have higher educational attainment. Assisted reproduction was reported for 87.5% of WSSR, versus 7.2% in the comparison group. Smoking during pregnancy was less common for WSSR (1.2% vs. 3.8%). Adjusting for parity and age, WSSR were more likely to be overweight in early pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio aOR 1.47; 95% CI 1.30–1.67). Furthermore, they were more likely to have received support for fear of childbirth (12.2% vs. 9.7%; aOR 1.48 95% CI 1.14–1.91). Self-rated pre-pregnancy health and history of major medical conditions were largely similar across both groups, although WSSR were more likely to have been diagnosed with thyroid conditions, rheumatic diseases, gynecological conditions and psychiatric illnesses. When undergoing childbirth, WSSR more often presented with obstetric risk factors including higher age, nulliparity, and overweight. However, they were also more likely to have higher educational attainment and less likely to report smoking. Pre-pregnancy medical conditions were largely similar between groups. Even so, psychiatric disease and support for fear of childbirth were more common in WSSR, highlighting the need for targeted support during pregnancy. This study explored the health and background of women in same-sex relationships when they become pregnant. Research on this group has been limited, even though the number of families formed by same-sex couples is increasing. We used data from almost 290,000 births in the Stockholm-Gotland regions in Sweden between 2008 and 2020. By linking national health and population registers, we identified women in same-sex and different-sex relationships and compared their characteristics before and during pregnancy. Women in same-sex relationships were generally older, more often first-time mothers, and more likely to have a university education. Most conceived through assisted reproduction. They were less likely to smoke but more likely to be overweight at the start of pregnancy. They also more often received professional support for fear of childbirth. Overall health before pregnancy was similar between the groups, but thyroid problems, rheumatic diseases, gynecological conditions, and mental health issues were somewhat more common among women in same-sex relationships. These findings suggest that while many health behaviours are positive, women in same-sex relationships may face specific challenges and would benefit from tailored support during pregnancy and childbirth.
Kogner et al. (Mon,) studied this question.