Pregnancy in women with spinal cord injury

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) produces dramatic changes in the physical and psychological lives of those who experience such injuries. Despite such injuries, a growing number of women with SCI are interested in experiencing normal transitions in life, including childbearing and parenting. Pregnancy in women with SCI is not without risk; however, anticipating and preparing for possible problems or complications can make them more manageable so that women with SCI can have positive childbearing experiences and positive maternal and infant outcomes. Issues of fertility and those that occur during preconception and the antepartal, intrapartal, and postpartal phases of pregnancy are discussed. © 2009 Thomas Land Publishers, Inc.