The first population-based study of pregnant women with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States reveals that these mothers and their babies are at a greater risk of adverse outcomes that include preterm birth, low birth weight and low Apgar scores. The study was led by researchers at UMass Medical School, who were recently awarded a five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health to further investigate those disparities. 

A study of pregnant women with disabilities in Rhode Island led by UMass Medical School has found that these women are more likely to report medical complications during pregnancy, have preterm births and low birth weight babies. The researchers conclude that clinicians need to be aware of the increased risks of pregnancy complications and poor infant outcomes.

A study initiated at UMass Medical School and led by Brandeis University highlights unmet needs and barriers to care for women with physical disabilities during pregnancy and childbirth, including clinicians’ knowledge and attitudes and accessibility to health care facilities and equipment. The researchers said clinicians need training to better care for pregnant women with physical disabilities.

UMass Medical School researchers have created a framework to better examine the health of women with physical disabilities around the time of their pregnancy.

The first nationwide study of pregnant women with developmental and intellectual disabilities from UMass Medical School and Brandeis University has found high rates of complications including fetal death, preeclampsia and preterm birth, according to a Sept. 11 article published by Autism Speaks Science News. The study found that women with these disabilities fare worse than the general population and could benefit from additional education and intervention.

A UMass Medical School study shows that pregnant women with disabilities in Rhode Island receive less medical care, and are more likely to experience adverse outcomes, according to an article in the Providence Journal.