People with intellectual disabilities face higher risks during pregnancy

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-08-16 01:00

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People with intellectual disabilities or autism have higher risks of physical and mental health complications during and after pregnancy, according to a US study. The team compared the pregnancy and birth outcomes of over 55,000 people with intellectual disabilities and about 13,500 autistic people with nearly 440,000 people without any intellectual disabilities. They say those with an intellectual disability or autism were likely to be pregnant at a younger age, less likely to have a live birth and had higher risks of health complications including preeclampsia and high blood pressure in pregnancy. The rate of mental health conditions during and after pregnancy was much higher among the group with intellectual disabilities or autism, the researchers say, with autistic people specifically more likely to develop postpartum anxiety or depression. The team say this means those with intellectual disabilities may need tailored support during pregnancy and after childbirth.