Preconception Counseling for People With Disabilities

Darienne Madlala1, Whitney Bender

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Over 70 million Americans, including 35 million women, are living with a disability including ~10% to 12% of reproductive-age women. Having a disability does not preclude a desire to or ability to have children. Studies have demonstrated that an increased risk of adverse outcomes, including hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage, and preterm birth, occurs among pregnant people with physical, intellectual, developmental, and sensory disabilities. This review aims to evaluate pregnancy outcomes, outline general preconception care, and review disability-specific considerations with the goal of improving pregnancy outcomes in this population.

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