Nearly 75 percent of female sex workers (FSWs) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa are mothers, many of whom engage in sex work during pregnancy or after delivery. We conducted in‐depth interviews with 22 postpartum and 8 pregnant FSWs in Port Elizabeth. Interview guides were used to probe women's experiences, challenges, and concerns about selling sex during pregnancy and post‐delivery in a high‐HIV‐prevalence context. Interviews were transcribed, translated, and coded using thematic analysis. FSWs experienced and feared violence by clients during pregnancy, highlighting the need for safe work environments. Further, FSWs expressed concerns about HIV acquisition and vertical transmission during the perinatal period. Physical challenges related to pregnancy affected women's ability to work. Returning to work post‐delivery presented barriers to initiating and practicing exclusive breastfeeding. As a result, many FSWs practiced mixed feeding. Interventions, tailored to respond to FSW's challenges and experiences, may offer improved health outcomes in this context.

中文翻译：

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南非女性性工作者在怀孕期间和分娩后卖淫的经历。

南非伊丽莎白港近 75% 的女性性工作者 (FSW) 是母亲，其中许多人在怀孕期间或分娩后从事性工作。我们对伊丽莎白港的 22 名产后和 8 名怀孕的 FSW 进行了深入访谈。访谈指南用于探讨女性在 HIV 高流行情况下在怀孕期间和分娩后卖淫的经历、挑战和担忧。使用主题分析对访谈进行转录、翻译和编码。FSWs 在怀孕期间经历并害怕客户的暴力行为，强调了安全工作环境的必要性。此外，FSW 对围产期 HIV 感染和垂直传播表示担忧。与怀孕有关的身体挑战会影响妇女的工作能力。分娩后重返工作岗位为开始和实行纯母乳喂养带来了障碍。结果，许多FSWs实行混合喂养。为应对 FSW 的挑战和经验而量身定制的干预措施可能会在这种情况下提供更好的健康结果。