Neurodivergence and Pregnancy

Did you know? neurodivergent individuals can expect a significant gap in evidence-based support when it comes to having a baby.The majority of research conducted on the perinatal period—from conception to two years post-birth, is primarily informed by a neurotypical perspective, leaving neurodivergent individuals with care that may not adequately address their unique needs.

A recurring issue identified across multiple studies is the perceived inadequacy in the care and treatment of neurodivergent individuals by perinatal health professionals. The sensory challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals during pregnancy often led to feelings of overwhelm, making it difficult to manage routine activities. For example, an autistic participant in the 2023 study by Hampton, p1275, noted, "Some things that I would be able to cope with normally, I wouldn’t be able to cope with in pregnancy or would stress me out even more. Just general things like the supermarket and stuff". This highlights the need for understanding and accommodations to support neurodivergent individuals during pregnancy.

This understanding is not just about acknowledging sensitivities but actively working to create a sensory-friendly environment, in clinics, birth rooms and birth centers. "During labor, the bright lights and the cacophony of sounds felt like an assault," described one autistic participant, articulating a common complaint among ND participants, p7. This sensory overload often led to participants becoming nonverbal due to stress and having trouble communicating, as described by Lewis et al. in a participant's experience of a "complete sensory overload situation", The provision of accommodations such as dimming lights, minimizing unnecessary noise, and personalizing the birthing space to include sensory aids like dimmed lighting, weighted blankets or soothing music can transform a potentially overwhelming experience into one that supports physiological birth and positive interactions. As another participant pointedly remarked, "Having control over my sensory environment made a world of difference to my stress levels and overall birthing experience" These adjustments are not merely preferences but could be better acknowledged as essential accommodations that foster a supportive trauma-informed birthing environment conducive to the well-being of the patient.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871519224002853