Pregnancy Outcomes of Women With Physical Disabilities: A Matched Cohort Study

Abstract

Our study describes a cohort of women who had moderate-to-severe physical disabilities who historically have been discouraged from pregnancy. Women with physical disabilities experienced higher rates of preterm deliveries, low birthweight infants, and pregnancy complications. The pregnancy complications in most cases were not severe and were readily managed. Although it was common to experience functional changes during pregnancy, these changes had largely resolved by 6 weeks postpartum. Larger observational studies are needed to better understand the etiology and prevention of preterm labor and low-birthweight infants in this population, and, in particular, the role of maternal infections.

The influence of visual impairment on pregnancy outcomes

“…Physical disabilities can cause educational, informational, physical, and financial obstacles during the women's perinatal period that can lead to less perinatal care experience, and may have an influence on health outcomes [17]. There are few studies that have shown that most disabled women will have good pregnancy outcomes; however, some data indicates that complications may be more prevalent among women with physical disabilities, according to the nature and severity of the underlying condition.…”

Challenges in the Management of the Pregnant Woman With Spinal Cord Injury

“…Early initiation of epidural anesthesia with continuation through the first 24 hours postpartum is recommended to avoid recurrent episodes of AD. 40,43,44 Some postpartum women with SCI will also experience AD during initiation of breastfeeding and will need assistance and monitoring during feeding for the first few days. 22,40,43 However, this is not a reason to discourage the desire to breastfeed.…”

“…43 In a cohort study, the investigators found that the women who became pregnant after SCI were twice as likely to experience preterm labor and birth as those who became pregnant before having SCI. 43 In addition, women who became pregnant after SCI were very likely to have infants with lowbirth-weight.…”

“…43 In a cohort study, the investigators found that the women who became pregnant after SCI were twice as likely to experience preterm labor and birth as those who became pregnant before having SCI. 43 In addition, women who became pregnant after SCI were very likely to have infants with lowbirth-weight. 14,43 If the woman uses her hands, she can be taught how to palpate the abdomen for contractions when she experiences symptoms signaling discomfort.…”

“…43 In addition, women who became pregnant after SCI were very likely to have infants with lowbirth-weight. 14,43 If the woman uses her hands, she can be taught how to palpate the abdomen for contractions when she experiences symptoms signaling discomfort. Although home uterine monitoring has grown out of favor for the general population, it is possible to use this mechanism to determine contractions if other options are not available.…”