A qualitative exploration of autistic mothers' experiences I: Pregnancy experiences.

This study looked at how autistic women experience pregnancy by talking to 24 autistic and 21 non-autistic pregnant women. Autistic women had more physical problems like nausea and pain during pregnancy. They often felt that midwives and doctors didn't understand autism well, and sometimes didn't feel comfortable telling them about their autism. The autistic women said they needed clear communication and changes like dimmer lights during appointments.

This qualitative study interviewed 24 autistic and 21 non-autistic women during pregnancy to explore their pregnancy experiences. Autistic participants reported significantly more physical difficulties including increased nausea and pain compared to non-autistic women. They frequently encountered healthcare professionals with limited autism understanding and felt uncomfortable disclosing their diagnosis. Autistic participants identified specific communication and environmental needs, such as clear communication and sensory accommodations like dimmed lighting during appointments.

The findings highlight the need for autism-specific training for maternity care professionals and modifications to standard pregnancy care protocols to better support autistic individuals during this critical period.

Results suggest need for autism-specific training for maternity care professionals and development of modified pregnancy care protocols. Healthcare settings should implement sensory accommodations and clear communication strategies. Creating autism-friendly environments may improve disclosure rates and care quality for autistic pregnant women.

Small sample size limits generalizability. Qualitative methodology provides rich insights but cannot establish causal relationships. No information provided about participant demographics, recruitment methods, or study methodology details that would affect interpretation of findings.

Little is known about how autistic people experience pregnancy. We interviewed 24 autistic and 21 non-autistic women during pregnancy to find out about their experiences. Autistic participants had more physical difficulties, such as nausea and pain, during pregnancy than non-autistic participants. They also sometimes felt that healthcare professionals, such as midwives, did not have a good understanding of autism and they did not always feel comfortable telling professionals about their autism diagnosis.

Autistic participants told us that they needed professionals to communicate with them clearly and to make changes during appointments such as dimming lights. This research shows that autistic people would benefit from changes to pregnancy appointments and that more training about autism would help maternity care professionals to support autistic people during pregnancy.