Pregnancy outcomes in people with spinal cord injury: A cross-sectional study

There is limited information surrounding the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

This cross-sectional study is a subgroup analysis of an international survey examining reproductive and urogenital health in people with SCI. Key obstetric and neonatal outcomes were assessed using descriptive analysis.

A total of 216 participants from 33 countries were observed; of the reported 262 pregnancies ending in live or stillbirth, bladder infections occurred in 80 (30.5%), kidney infections in 15 (5.7%), hospital admission in 44 (16.8%) and ICU admission in 6 (2.3%). Preterm birth occurred in 68 of 262 pregnancies (25.9%) and neonatal intensive care unit admission occurred in 38 of 257 pregnancies (14.8%).

People with SCI appear to be at risk of perinatal complications including bladder and kidney infections and hospital admission. This information is of value to people with SCI who are contemplating pregnancy or are currently pregnant and their healthcare providers.