A Qualitative Analysis of the Lived Experience of Active-Duty Servicewomen Receiving Perinatal Care Within the Military Health System.

Objectives: We explored the lived experiences of active-duty servicewomen (ADSW) accessing and receiving care during the perinatal period (from discovery of pregnancy to 1 year postpartum) within the Military Health System.

Study design: Using qualitative methods, we conducted semi-structured interviews between September 2022 and February 2023 with 23 ADSW participants who were pregnant or within their first year postpartum. Data were analyzed using inductive coding and thematic analysis techniques.

Results: Participants reported bureaucratic hurdles and long wait times for accessing care, too little choice in providers, and inadequate coordination between civilian and military care providers. Those who experienced perinatal complications perceived that the military health system did not adequately address their concerns. Some participants described disjointed and depersonalized perinatal care, whereas others reported positive experiences with their providers.

Conclusions: Opportunities exist for the Military Health System to improve the perinatal care experience by increasing access to perinatal care, providing more autonomy to ADSW in choosing providers and birth settings, and developing policies and procedures to improve inter-specialty communication.