Challenges in the management of the pregnant woman with spinal cord injury

J Perinat Neonatal Nurs. 2013 Jul-Sep;27(3):225-31. doi: 10.1097/JPN.0b013e31829ca83f.

Abstract

About 12 000 women of childbearing age sustain spinal cord injuries each year in the United States. Around 2000 of these women become pregnant in a given year, yet few providers are aware of the interprofessional team approach needed to achieve a successful pregnancy with healthy outcomes for both mother and fetus. A family-centered approach by an experienced team can make the childbearing experience both safe and optimal for the maternal-fetal dyad. The challenges related to caring for women with spinal cord injury during pregnancy, including skin breakdown, urinary tract infections, respiratory compromise, bowel motility, depression/anxiety, preterm labor, and autonomic dysreflexia, are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Injury Severity Score
  • Midwifery / methods
  • Neonatal Nursing / methods
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / nursing*
  • Pregnancy Complications / physiopathology
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy
  • Pregnancy Outcome*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / diagnosis
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / nursing*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / therapy
  • United States