This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of 31 military-affiliated individuals, mostly active-duty Service members, who received perinatal care within the Military Health System. A social determinants of health lens was used to identify factors associated with military culture and the military lifestyle (e.g., health care access, deployment) that affected participants’ pregnancy and birth experiences. The 3 themes that emerged revealed the unique military factors – including military requirements, sociocultural considerations, and challenges navigating healthcare – that can affect women’s perinatal experiences.
Summary provided by Military REACH at Auburn University
Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP) Report:
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Reference:
Musilli, M. G., Fuller, S. M., Wyatt, B., Ryals, T. R., Haischer-Rollo, G., Drumm, C. M., Vereen, R. J., Plowden, T. C., Blevins, E. M., Spalding, C. N., Konopasky, A., & Lutgendorf, M. A. (2025). Qualitative analysis of the lived experience of reproductive and pediatric health care in the Military Health Care System. Military Medicine, 190(1-2), 333-341. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usae238