Prevalence of current pregnancy among US women with and without chronic physical disabilities.

BACKGROUND

The number of US women of childbearing age who have chronic physical disabilities (CPD) is increasing. However, little is known about their reproductive experiences. Historically, women with physical disabilities have confronted stigmatized attitudes about becoming pregnant.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the national prevalence of current pregnancy among women with and without CPD; examine differences in current pregnancy prevalence between these 2 groups of women.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Bivariable and multivariable analyses of cross-sectional, nationally representative National Health Interview Survey data from 2006 to 2011.

SUBJECTS

Forty-seven thousand six hundred twenty-nine civilian, noninstitutionalized women aged 18-49 years.

MEASURES

National Health Interview Survey asks women ages 18-49 if they are currently pregnant; it also asks about various movement difficulties. We used responses from 8 movement difficulty and other questions to identify women with CPD.

RESULTS

Six thousand forty-three (12.7%) sampled women report CPD. Compared with other women, women with CPD are significantly: older; more likely to be black and less likely to be Asian or Hispanic; more likely to be divorced or separated; more likely to have less than a high school education; less likely to be employed; and have much lower incomes. Across all women, 3.5% report being currently pregnant: 3.8% of women without CPD and 2.0% with CPD. Controlling for sociodemographic factors, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of current pregnancy is 0.83 (95% confidence interval, 0.65-1.05; P=0.12) for women with CPD compared with nondisabled women.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with CPD do become pregnant, and their numbers will likely grow. Obstetrical practitioners therefore require training about the special needs of these women.