What should I know before pregnancy?

Author: Hannah Goodings | Reviewer: Frédérique Courtois | Published: 11 September 2023 | Updated: ~

It is recommended that women with SCI attend a consultation prior to pregnancy to discuss the unique risks involved when pregnant with SCI. This conversation and continued appointments with health care professionals during pregnancy can help ensure a safe pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period. Common preconception medical team members may include:

A skilled medical professional who specializes in pregnancy and births. Finding an obstetrician with SCI expertise can be greatly beneficial as they may have adapted medical equipment and experience detecting specific SCI pregnancy risks and warning signs.

A health professional who often works with women pre-conception, during pregnancy, during delivery and after birth, often in collaboration with other hospital medical staff. It should be noted that the role of midwives varies around the globe.

A trained anesthesiologist who specializes in epidurals during delivery. An epidural is frequently used for pain reduction but in SCI populations can also reduce the risk of autonomic dysreflexia occurring during birth. For this reason, an obstetric anesthesiologist with SCI expertise is beneficial.

A nurse that specializes in SCI care, both acutely and long-term.

Therapists who create mobility programs and adjusted techniques of completing activities of daily living and exercises in a safe manner.

Meeting with multiple practitioners can be time consuming. Finding a team with strong communication between health care providers can ease some of this.