Pregnancy in a female with developmental disability

Pregnancy in a female with developmental disability may be planned or unplanned, and may or may not follow consensual sexual intercourse. Practitioners should be alert to the possibility of sexual abuse; see What to do if you suspect a person with developmental disability is being or has been abused. Late presentation of pregnancy is common, and may reflect various factors (eg lack of knowledge, guilt, threats or other abuse). Presentation of pregnancy may be atypical (eg behaviours of concern).

Females with developmental disability often need significant levels of support during and after their pregnancy or after a pregnancy termination. Prompt referral to a specialist (eg tertiary centre for females) is recommended.

If a termination of pregnancy is considered, authority from the relevant guardianship authority is required; see Consent for health care in people with developmental disability.

Parenting capacity of people with developmental disability should not be presumed to be inadequate. Parents with intellectual disability are often socially isolated and poorly supported by community and personal networks; strengthening social support systems in such families is important. See Family planning and parenting for advice on supporting people with developmental disability who wish to become parents.