Prevalence of current pregnancy among u.s. women with and without chronic mobility disabilities

Background: The number of U.S. women of childbearing age who have chronic mobility disabilities (CMD) is increasing. However, little is known about their reproductive experiences. Objectives: To explore the national prevalence of current pregnancy among women with and without CMD; and after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, examine differences in current pregnancy prevalence between these two groups of women. Research Design: Cross-sectional, nationally-representative National Health Interview Survey data from 2006-2011. Subjects: 47,629 civilian, noninstitutionalized women ages 18-49 Measures: NHIS asks about various mobility difficulties and asks women ages 18-49 if they are currently pregnant. We used responses from 8 movement difficulty and other questions to identify women with CMD. Results: 6,043 (12.7%) women report CMD. Compared with other women, women with CMD are significantly older; more likely to be black and less likely to be Asian or Hispanic; more likely to be divorced or separated; more likely to have less than a high school education; less likely to be employed; and have much lower incomes. Across all women, 3.5% report being currently pregnant: 3.8% of women without CMD and 2.0% with CMD. Multivariable regression analysis indicates women with CMD, including the most severely disabled group, have comparable adjusted odds of being currently pregnant as do nondisabled women. Conclusions: Women with mobility disabilities have historically confronted stigmatized attitudes about their reproductive choices. Our findings concerning current pregnancy among women with chronic mobility disabilities highlight the importance of today's obstetrical practitioners understanding and considering the special needs and concerns of these women.