Access to Maternity Services for Women With a Physical Disability: A Systematic Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND: Women with a disability are one of the most disadvantaged groups in society.

OBJECTIVE: To identify challenges and facilitators to accessing maternity services experienced by women with a physical disability during pregnancy, childbirth, and early motherhood.

DESIGN: Literature review.

FINDINGS: Challenges to accessibility included location and models of care, transport difficulties, and moving around the environment. Challenges to accommodation (health professionals’ adaptation to women’s needs) centered on lack of suitable health and parent education information. Challenges to acceptability were caused by poor knowledge and negative staff attitudes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Improving access to maternity services for women with a disability requires improved access to buildings, provision of sensitive antenatal classes, and development of health professionals’ knowledge and attitudes toward disability and pregnancy.