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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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