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 series and reports and opinion articles. The most important and dangerous complication during pregnancy (and delivery) is autonomic dysreflexia. It is reported to occur in up to 85% of patients with an SCI at T6 or above. Women presenting a cauda equina syndrome who preserved the ability for walking often lose it at the end of the pregnancy. Fetal movements as well as onset of labor will be perceived, and the abdominal muscles will help to expel the baby. Literature on pregnancy in SCI is scarce. However, motherhood is an important topic for women with SCI. Pregnancy and motherhood are certainly options for women with SCI, but comprehensive interdisciplinary follow-up, for example, using the "Sexual Rehabilitation Framework" as described by Elliott, and prevention of possible complications are mandatory.
