How do intellectual and developmental disabilities impact pregnancy?

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2026-05-28 01:00

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Mothers with an intellectual or developmental disability are more likely to experience complications in childbirth or their newborn's early stages of life, according to international researchers who have identified some potential areas for mitigating these risks. The team looked at data from nearly 6.5 million births in the US, including 4492 involving mothers with diagnosed intellectual or developmental disabilities. The researchers say maternal disability was linked to higher odds of preterm and very preterm birth, as well as newborns born small for their gestational age or requiring intensive care across the disabilities studied. This link was stronger for mothers with chromosomal differences and some intellectual disabilities, but weaker for mothers with autism or cerebral palsy, the researchers say. They say much of the increased risk could be explained by pre-existing mental health conditions, blood pressure problems and epilepsy, suggesting good management of these health conditions before and during pregnancy could help mitigate the risks.