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Women, If you want to have a baby...
(05/04/2004) by Unknown
Many disabilities or illnesses do not physiologically interfere with a woman’s ability
to conceive. For example, although menstruation (periods) may stop for six to
eight months after SCI, it is still possible to get pregnant. Regular menstrual cycles
will come back in time (see hygiene for management of menstrual flow). Carrying
a baby to term involves similar risks to any pregnancy, however there is increased
risk of bladder infection, pressure sores, hypertension, and, for women with
injuries at or above T6, automatic dysreflexia. All these risks are manageable with
a knowledgeable physician. Balancing and transferring may also present an
increased challenge. With regard to delivery, women can deliver vaginally despite
lack of voluntary muscle control. Breast feeding is still a viable option although
adaptive equipment such as a sling or harness to help hold the baby may be
necessary. This article appears in the following topics:
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