[Tetraplegia and pregnancy]

J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris). 1989;18(3):331-5.
[Article in French]

Abstract

A report is given of pregnancy in a tetraplegic patient. The main complications that patients who are suffering from tetraplegia have in pregnancy are urinary tract infection, anaemia, and complications of bed rest, as well as premature delivery and autonomic hyperreflexia. Autonomic hyperreflexia is provoked by stimuli such as distension of the bladder or of the rectum or stimulation of the cervix. In this syndrome bradycardia, arterial hypertension and headaches are associated. The major risk is of intra-ventricular haemorrhage in labour. The care of the pregnant tetraplegic patient requires the cooperation of the obstetrician, the anaesthetist and the nursing staff, as well as of the patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Quadriplegia / complications*