Childbirth Experiences and Challenges for Women with Sensory Disabilities: A Systematic Review of Delivery Methods and Healthcare Barriers.

Abstract

Background: Women with sensory disabilities, including deafness and blindness, face significant barriers to equitable healthcare in pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. Representing over 5% of the global population-a number expected to rise-these women often encounter discrimination, limited information access, and inadequate childbirth support, increasing pregnancy-related risks.

Materials and methods: This systematic review examines childbirth methods for women with sensory disabilities and the healthcare barriers they face during prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal periods. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 methodology, searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, BioMed Central, and Cochrane Library databases. From 270 relevant studies, 10 met the inclusion criteria, comprising 8 quantitative and 2 qualitative studies. All studies were critically appraised using the Caldwell framework.

Results: The review identified that women with sensory disabilities, particularly those who are deaf or blind, experience higher rates of caesarean sections compared to women without disabilities. However, a significant proportion of women in this demographic group successfully deliver vaginally. The review also highlighted substantial healthcare barriers, including inadequate communication between patients and healthcare providers, limited information regarding childbirth options, and insufficient postnatal care. Discrimination and obstetric violence were reported in several studies, further exacerbating the healthcare experiences of these women.

Conclusions: This study highlights the urgent need for healthcare systems to enhance communication, accessibility, and support for women with sensory disabilities. An equity and inclusion framework in maternal care should ensure that these women receive adequate and respectful healthcare. Addressing these gaps will improve outcomes for mothers and newborns and reduce discrimination and inequitable treatment.