Sensory challenges experienced by autistic women during pregnancy and childbirth: a systematic review

Purpose The aim of this systematic review was to identify challenges faced by autistic women during pregnancy and birth due to sensory issues or other features of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Methods A systematic search of literature was conducted using Medline, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, MIDIRS...

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Published inArchives of gynecology and obstetrics Vol. 305; no. 2; pp. 299 - 311
Main Authors Samuel, Priscilla, Yew, Rui Ying, Hooley, Merrilyn, Hickey, Martha, Stokes, Mark A.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.02.2022
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autistic Disorder
Dissertations & theses
Endocrinology
Female
Gynecology
Health Personnel
Human Genetics
Humans
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Obstetrics/Perinatology/Midwifery
Parturition
Pregnancy
Qualitative Research
Review
Systematic review
Womens health
Pregnancy
Birth
Sensory
Autism spectrum disorder
Maternal experience
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Summary:Purpose The aim of this systematic review was to identify challenges faced by autistic women during pregnancy and birth due to sensory issues or other features of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Methods A systematic search of literature was conducted using Medline, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, MIDIRS, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and Open Access Theses and Dissertations. Eligible studies addressed autistic women’s pregnancy or birth experiences, and were assessed for methodological quality. Results The search generated 2656 results, with six meeting inclusion criteria. Data from 427 autistic participants were extracted from four qualitative and two quantitative studies for synthesis. Conclusion We found that the literature was exploratory and lacked focussed research questions addressing sensory issues in pregnancy. Sensory challenges were, however, identified as a key finding in all qualitative studies. Other challenges faced by autistic women during pregnancy and birth included communication issues in healthcare settings and lack of appropriate information and supports for pregnancy and birth. Implications for health professionals and challenges associated with research in this area are discussed.
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ISSN:0932-0067
1432-0711
DOI:10.1007/s00404-021-06109-4