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

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Abstract

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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Notes

  1. Identity first language (autistic person) is more often preferred over person first language (person with autism) by individuals on the autism spectrum [2, 3] and will be used throughout this article, although it is acknowledged that this does not represent the preference of all members of the autism community.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St., Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia

    Priscilla Samuel, Rui Ying Yew, Merrilyn Hooley & Mark A. Stokes

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women’s Hospital, University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia

    Martha Hickey

  3. School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia

    Mark A. Stokes

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  1. Priscilla Samuel
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Contributions

PS: project conception and development, data collection and management, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. RYY: data collection and management, data analysis, and manuscript writing/editing. MHo: project conception and development, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. MHi: manuscript preparation. MAS: project conception and development, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

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Correspondence to Mark A. Stokes.

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Priscilla Samuel, Rui Ying Yew, Merrilyn Hooley, Martha Hickey, and Mark A. Stokes declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Samuel, P., Yew, R.Y., Hooley, M. et al. Sensory challenges experienced by autistic women during pregnancy and childbirth: a systematic review. Arch Gynecol Obstet 305, 299–311 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-021-06109-4

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