Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome during pregnancy, birth and beyond

Abstract

The Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) are an underdiagnosed group of conditions with implications and risks associated with childbearing. Those with EDS suggest that health professionals lack of awareness in this area, and consequently describe delays in access to appropriate healthcare services. This article draws on the existing international evidence available to present evidence-based care considerations for childbearing women with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) throughout the antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal periods. Care considerations are also offered in relation to the care of the newborn infant. The management of hEDS in childbearing women and babies can be complex. Findings point to the need for a multidisciplinary approach to formulating individualised care plans in partnership with women. In understanding the evidence in relation to this issue, midwives will be better able to practice evidence-based and woman-centred care.