American Muslim Women’s Experiences with Pregnancy And Childbirth In The United States Healthcare System

Muslim women adhere to specific religious beliefs and practices, which can inform their healthcare decisions and requirements during pregnancy and childbirth. Despite an increase in the Muslim population in the U.S., there is currently limited research on Muslim women's maternity care and experiences. To address the gaps in knowledge, this study explored Muslim women’s experiences with pregnancy and childbirth in the U.S. Data consists of interviews from 20 Muslim women who had pregnancy and childbirth in the U.S. A thematic analysis was used to analyze and report the findings. The findings revealed that modesty was a significant concern during pregnancy and childbirth for all participants. Participants expressed that their beliefs and practices on modesty are influenced by their Islamic faith. Their beliefs and practices regarding external modesty (physical covering of the body) and internal modesty (characteristics, interactions, and conduct) influenced their needs and experiences during pregnancy and childbirth. Participants reported that for them to maintain their external and internal modesty requirements during pregnancy and childbirth, they needed female-only healthcare providers, private rooms, and for their bodies to remain appropriately covered during medical exams and childbirth. Birthing locations were chosen based on the cost, their birth method, the overall environment, access to midwives, and access to medical facilities. Participants shared that the ideal environment for Muslim women to experience pregnancy and childbirth would be accommodating to their religious and personal beliefs, have qualified female-only healthcare providers, provide halal food, and offer physical, spiritual, and emotional support. These findings are significant because they can create more inclusive spaces for Muslim women, with the potential to contribute to a maternity care system that serves women from various backgrounds.