Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of Nursology, cilt.26, sa.3, ss.226-230, 2023 (Scopus)
Approximately 15% of the world’s population comprises people with disabilities. It is stated that the rate of disability in all age groups is higher in women than in men. It is estimated that approximately 10% of women of reproductive age have a disability. Although there is not enough data on the proportion of women with disabilities among all women who gave birth, the evidence shows that the number of women with disabilities who become mothers is not negligible. Technological and medical developments in recent years have led to the prolongation of the life expectancy of individuals with disabilities and to lead a more active life, resulting in an increased interest in having children for women with disabilities. However, women with disabilities have more maternal and obstetric risk of complications than those without disabilities. Therefore, comprehensive perinatal care is crucial in improving maternal and fetal outcomes in women with disabilities. Additionally, it is stated that disabled women have some difficulties accessing healthcare services in the perinatal period. Expanding sexual/reproductive health services to include women with disabilities is also important in achieving Sustainable Development Goals. For this reason, it is recommended that plans should be made to eliminate the possible perinatal risks and difficulties experienced by disabled women of reproductive age and that nurses, who are in critical positions in perinatal care, should expand their healthcare services to include women with disabilities.