[Prenatal
Care]

[Disability-
Related
Symptoms]

[Labor and
Delivery]

[Breastfeeding]

[Care of Baby
and Yourself]

[Resources]

Overview

Many women with disabilities are interested in having children. But questions about pregnancy in the presence of a disability are common. Such questions may include:

• What are the effects of my disability on my ability to become pregnant?

• What are the possible effects of pregnancy on my disability?

• What are the possible effects of my disability on my pregnancy?

• Will I be able to have a normal labor and delivery?

• Will I be able to care for children?

• Will I be able to breast-feed?

While these questions and concerns are common, most women with a disability are able to have healthy pregnancies and give birth to healthy babies. Not long ago, the idea of women with disabilities considering pregnancy, becoming pregnant, and undergoing a healthy pregnancy was unheard of. In fact, women with disabilities were often discouraged by family members and health care providers from childbearing. However, with more knowledge about the issues and advances in monitoring and treatment, many more women with disabilities are having healthy children and enjoying their pregnancies as much as other women.

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A healthy pregnancy: for you and your baby

Most women with a disability are able to deliver healthy babies without encountering major problems. However, some pre-planning may make the whole process of pregnancy, labor and delivery go more smoothly. Taking the disability into consideration but not making it the focus of the pregnancy enables the woman with a disability to enjoy her pregnancy and to look forward to the birth of a healthy baby.

Each woman and each disabling condition are unique. Not all disabling conditions affect pregnancy and pregnancy often does not affect the disabling condition. Some disabling conditions seem to improve during pregnancy and others seem to get worse during or after pregnancy. Some disabilities may make special considerations necessary while others require no special attention other than that needed for all pregnant women. In some women, problems associated with a normal pregnancy, such as the need to urinate more frequently, may increase because of the disability.

It is important to have a positive attitude and take steps that will increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Keep in mind that increasing numbers of women with disability are becoming pregnant and having normal pregnancies and giving birth to healthy babies.

Preconception care and counseling (care and counseling provided before pregnancy occurs) and prenatal care (care provided during pregnancy) are two of the ways to help you to have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

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08/05/2003 10:56 AM