ABSTRACT
The scientific literature concerning female fertility issues such as pregnancy rates, live births, and complications or obstetric management following spinal cord injury (SCI), mainly consists of case reports and opinion articles. Menopause was induced by SCI, immediately or within 12 months, in 14% of the subjects, but except for an increase in mood disorders, menopausal symptoms were fairly comparable in women with or without an SCI. Pregnancy rate is lower in women with SCI. For instance, in the study by Burghi 20% of the women became pregnant after the period of transient amenorrhea. Pregnancy rate was higher when the SCI was sustained at a younger age while the level of injury had no influence. The pregnant woman with SCI often shows anemia and fatigue, water retention, and edema of the lower extremities. Pregnancy and motherhood are certainly possible for women with SCI, but multidisciplinary follow-up with prevention of possible complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery is mandatory.
