Best Practices for Obstetric Care of Deaf Patients

BACKGROUND: Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) women face significant health care disparities, including higher rates of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, preterm birth, and unintended pregnancy compared with the general population. PROBLEM: DHH women encounter significant barriers to obstetric care, including inadequate communication access, insufficient availability of qualified interpreters, and lack of provider training in caring for DHH patients. APPROACH: Effective communication, culturally competent, and patient-centered care can address existing disparities and improve outcomes for DHH women throughout their reproductive years. OBJECTIVE: This article summarizes best practices for obstetric care to DHH patients and highlights opportunities for improving health care to this diverse population.