Functional changes in health during and after pregnancy in people with spinal cord injury—an international cohort study

Objective: To evaluate functional changes in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) during and after pregnancy. Method: This is part of an international observational questionnaire examining pregnancy outcomes of people with SCI. Parameters assessed included pain, fatigue and bladder function. Participants categorized functions as improved, no change, or worsened during pregnancy and based on longstanding differences following delivery. Descriptive analysis was used. Results: This analysis included 263 pregnancies beyond 20 weeks' gestation. Overall level and types of injuries, fatigue (66.7%), bladder function (65.9%), and edema (42.3%) were the most commonly reported aspects of functional health that worsened during pregnancy. Conclusions: Worsening fatigue and bladder function are the most common symptoms during pregnancy. Recovery is common in the post-partum period; however, nearly one-third of people experience longstanding changes. This study may provide guidance for pre-pregnancy consultation and inform expectations of pregnant people with SCI and their health care providers.