{"id":5107,"date":"2026-04-10T00:44:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T00:44:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.accesslife.co\/?p=5107"},"modified":"2026-07-21T18:23:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T18:23:19","slug":"bladder-management-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/bladder-management-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Bladder Management 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1275146988\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1915768377\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1162470171\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<h5><style>\n.ppw{background:linear-gradient(150deg,#831843 0%,#BE185D 55%,#EC4899 100%);padding:44px 40px 40px;width:100%;overflow:hidden;}\n.ppw *{box-sizing:border-box;margin:0;padding:0;}\n.ppw-in{max-width:860px;margin:0 auto;}\n.ppw-row{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:16px;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n.ppw-tag{font-size:10px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.13em;text-transform:uppercase;background:rgba(255,255,255,.15);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.28);color:#fff;padding:4px 12px;border-radius:20px;white-space:nowrap;}\n.ppw-line{flex:1;height:1px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.2);min-width:20px;}\n.ppw-series{font-size:10px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.5);white-space:nowrap;}\n.ppw-title{font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:30px;font-weight:700;line-height:1.2;color:#fff;margin-bottom:12px;}\n.ppw-sub{font-size:15px;font-weight:300;color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);line-height:1.65;max-width:600px;margin-bottom:24px;}\n.ppw-stats{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.2);border-radius:8px;overflow:hidden;}\n.ppw-stat{flex:1;min-width:100px;padding:12px 16px;border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);}\n.ppw-stat:last-child{border-right:none;}\n.ppw-num{font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;line-height:1;margin-bottom:3px;}\n.ppw-lbl{font-size:9px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.6);text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.08em;}\n@media(max-width:600px){\n.ppw{padding:32px 20px 28px;}\n.ppw-title{font-size:22px;}\n.ppw-stat{border-right:none;border-bottom:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);flex:0 0 50%;}\n.ppw-stat:nth-child(odd){border-right:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.15);}\n.ppw-stat:nth-last-child(-n+2){border-bottom:none;}\n}\n<\/style><\/h5>\n<div class=\"ppw\">\n<div class=\"ppw-in\">\n<h5 class=\"ppw-row\"><span class=\"ppw-tag\">SEXUAL HEALTH SERIES \u00b7 PREGNANCY<\/span><br \/><br \/><span class=\"ppw-series\">3-Part Series<\/span><\/h5>\n<h5 class=\"ppw-title\">Pregnancy and Paralysis<\/h5>\n<h5 class=\"ppw-sub\">Paralysis does not prevent a woman from becoming pregnant and having a baby \u2014 but the right care team, planning, and support make all the difference.<\/h5>\n<div class=\"ppw-stats\">\n<div class=\"ppw-num\">9 min<\/div>\n<div class=\"ppw-lbl\">Read Time<\/div>\n<div class=\"ppw-num\">1 in 8<\/div>\n<div class=\"ppw-lbl\">Postpartum Depression<\/div>\n<div class=\"ppw-num\">T6+<\/div>\n<div class=\"ppw-lbl\">AD Risk Level<\/div>\n<div class=\"ppw-stat\">\n<h5 class=\"ppw-num\">3-Part<\/h5>\n<h5 class=\"ppw-lbl\">Series<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1275146988 {\n  padding-top: 0;\n  padding-bottom: 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_990751282\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#FBCFE8;border-width:0 0 1px 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1992839893\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-525150351\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:6px;font-size:12px;color:#475569;\">\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Today&#8217;s Care<\/a><br \/>\n  <span style=\"opacity:.4;\">\/<\/span><br \/>\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/living-with-paralysis\/health\/\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Health<\/a><br \/>\n  <span style=\"opacity:.4;\">\/<\/span><br \/>\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/living-with-paralysis\/health\/sexual-health\/\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sexual Health<\/a><br \/>\n  <span style=\"opacity:.4;\">\/<\/span><br \/>\n  <span>Pregnancy and Paralysis<\/span><br \/>\n  <span style=\"margin-left:auto;color:#64748B;font-size:11px;\">\ud83d\udcc5 Updated 2026 &nbsp;\u00b7&nbsp; \ud83d\udcd6 ~1,800 words \u00b7 9 min read<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_990751282 {\n  padding-top: 10px;\n  padding-bottom: 10px;\n  background-color: #FDF2F8;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1194687543\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-225347225\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1890198512\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"background:#FDF2F8;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;border-radius:10px;padding:22px 26px;margin-bottom:28px;\">\n<p style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;margin:0 0 14px;\">\ud83d\udccb In This Article<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:5px 24px;\">\n<ol style=\"padding-left:18px;margin:0;font-size:13px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:4px;\">\n<li><a href=\"#s1\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Pregnancy After Paralysis<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s2\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Secondary Conditions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s3\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Autonomic Dysreflexia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s4\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Labor &amp; Delivery<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ol start=\"5\" style=\"padding-left:18px;margin:0;font-size:13px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:4px;\">\n<li><a href=\"#s5\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Postpartum Depression<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s6\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Support Networks<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s7\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Parental Rights<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#s8\" style=\"color:#BE185D;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.5;\">Resources &amp; Support<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:17px;line-height:1.8;color:#475569;border-left:4px solid #BE185D;padding-left:20px;margin:0 0 44px;font-weight:300;\">Paralysis does not prevent a woman from becoming pregnant and having a baby. Familiar side effects \u2014 morning sickness, headaches, swollen ankles \u2014 are as likely as they are for anyone. But pregnancy can amplify existing secondary conditions, so building the right care team early matters more than usual.<\/p>\n<div id=\"s1\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Pregnancy After Paralysis<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">Pregnancy will amplify secondary health conditions, including urinary tract infections, pressure injuries, and spasticity. To reduce risk, women living with paralysis who become pregnant should build a care team familiar with spinal cord injury \u2014 the more knowledgeable the team, the better served mother and baby will be.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 20px;\">Obstetric referrals can come from other parents with disabilities or from physiatrists \u2014 rehabilitative doctors treating conditions of the brain, bones, nerves and muscles, including SCI. The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation maintains a searchable directory of practicing members.<\/p>\n<div style=\"background:#FCE7F3;border-left:4px solid #BE185D;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;margin:0 0 18px;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\u2705<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 5px;\">The right care team matters most<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">A high-risk obstetrician, alongside physiatrists, respiratory therapists, and occupational therapists, is often best equipped to manage comprehensive care. Make sure every provider knows your underlying conditions and current medications.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"s2\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Secondary Conditions During Pregnancy<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">Every pregnancy is different, but women living with paralysis should anticipate a few common complications and plan for them with their care team:<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:14px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:5px;\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Bladder health<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">A common complication, and UTIs can trigger early labor. As the baby grows, bladder capacity shrinks, often requiring more frequent catheterization or, eventually, an indwelling catheter. A baseline kidney\/bladder\/ureter checkup before pregnancy helps track changes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:14px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:5px;\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Blood clots<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">The added weight of a baby can slow circulation. By the third trimester, expect closer monitoring of breathing and circulation; compression stockings and elevating the feet help.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:14px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:10px;height:10px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:5px;\"><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Weight gain, transfers &amp; skin<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Added weight can affect independence and raise fall risk during transfers. Shift position regularly and check skin often to prevent pressure wounds, especially on bed rest; women with muscle atrophy should also transfer carefully to avoid fractures.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"s3\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Autonomic Dysreflexia &amp; Pregnancy<\/h2>\n<div style=\"background:#FEF3C7;border-left:4px solid #D97706;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;margin:0 0 18px;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\u26a0\ufe0f<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#D97706;margin:0 0 5px;\">A serious risk for injuries above T6<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) causes dangerously high blood pressure and can be mistaken for routine pregnancy symptoms or preeclampsia. It is most likely in the third trimester and during labor; possible triggers include cervical exams and uterine compression during ultrasounds. Every provider on the care team needs to know how to recognize and treat it quickly.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 20px;\">The Reeve Foundation offers free AD wallet cards listing baseline blood pressure, injury level, and emergency contacts to share with providers \u2014 available for download or by calling 800-539-7309.<\/p>\n<div id=\"s4\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Labor &amp; Delivery<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:8px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">1<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Build a delivery plan early with your doctors and attend a birthing class.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">2<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Visit the hospital in advance to confirm accessibility and readiness for SCI-related labor issues, including AD.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">3<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">Arrange anesthesia with a provider experienced in SCI obstetrics ahead of time.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">4<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">With limited uterine sensation, plan for weekly cervical exams from 28 weeks; quadriplegia may call for a home contraction monitor.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px;padding:11px 16px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-weight:700;font-size:12px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;\">5<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">During labor, reposition every two hours to prevent pressure injuries; continuous epidural anesthesia may help prevent AD.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"s5\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Postpartum Depression<\/h2>\n<div style=\"background:#E0F2FE;border-left:4px solid #0369A1;border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;padding:16px 20px;display:flex;gap:14px;align-items:flex-start;margin:0 0 18px;\">\n  <span style=\"font-size:22px;flex-shrink:0;line-height:1;\">\ud83d\udca1<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#0369A1;margin:0 0 5px;\">Affects roughly 1 in 8 women<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.65;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\">&#8220;Baby blues&#8221; typically fade within a couple of weeks; postpartum depression lasts longer and hits harder. Women with disabilities face a higher risk of depression and anxiety after delivery, and it can develop any time during or after pregnancy.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">Contact a doctor immediately if any of these symptoms appear \u2014 postpartum depression is treatable, often with a combination of therapy and medication:<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:8px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:11px 14px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">!<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.55;margin:0;\">Increased crying or hopelessness<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:11px 14px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">!<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.55;margin:0;\">Withdrawing from loved ones<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:11px 14px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">!<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.55;margin:0;\">Difficulty sleeping or eating changes<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:11px 14px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">!<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.55;margin:0;\">Feeling distant from your baby<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:11px 14px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">!<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.55;margin:0;\">Doubting your ability to care for baby<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:9px;padding:11px 14px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:5px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:1px;\">!<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;line-height:1.55;margin:0;\">Thoughts of harming yourself or baby<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 20px;\">Postpartum Support International offers free virtual support groups, weekly chats with licensed mental health professionals, and a peer mentor program.<\/p>\n<div id=\"s6\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Support Networks<\/h2>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:10px;margin:0 0 20px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FCE7F3;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83c\udf93<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">National Research Center for Parents with Disabilities<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">Brandeis University offers webinars, how-to videos, and community blogs on adaptive parenting techniques.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FCE7F3;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83e\udd1d<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Peer &amp; Family Support Program<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">The National Paralysis Resource Center can match expecting parents with peer mentors who share similar experiences.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;padding:14px 18px;background:#FDF2F8;border-radius:8px;border:1px solid #FBCFE8;\">\n<div style=\"width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:8px;background:#FCE7F3;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:17px;flex-shrink:0;\">\ud83d\udcac<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 3px;\">Wheel Mommies<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:#475569;line-height:1.6;margin:0;\">A private group for women with spinal cord injuries to discuss pregnancy, labor, delivery and parenting.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"s7\"><\/div>\n<h2 style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:26px;font-weight:700;color:#831843;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:2px solid #FCE7F3;margin:0 0 16px;\">Parental Rights<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 16px;\">The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect the rights of people with disabilities in housing, employment, and beyond \u2014 but parents with disabilities still often face bias from medical and government agencies, so knowing your rights matters.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.8;color:#1E293B;margin:0 0 20px;\">Protections begin at conception: providers offering IVF or other assistive reproductive technologies must comply with the ADA and Rehab Act, and both public and private adoption agencies are prohibited from discriminating against prospective parents with disabilities. The Reeve Foundation&#8217;s <em>Parenting with a Disability: Know Your Rights Toolkit<\/em> covers adoption, custody, visitation, family law, and the child welfare system.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1194687543 {\n  padding-top: 44px 0;\n  padding-bottom: 44px 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_2048765613\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-966703285\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-658432\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div id=\"s8\" style=\"background:#831843;padding:36px 40px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;\">\n<div style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 18px;\">Resources &amp; Further Reading<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:14px;\">\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Reeve Foundation Information Specialists<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);margin:0;\">Toll-free 800-539-7309 \u00b7 Free AD wallet cards, Parenting with Paralysis booklet, and Know Your Rights Toolkit<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Craig Hospital \u2014 Pregnancy After Spinal Cord Injury<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/craighospital.org\/resources\/sexual-function-for-women-after-spinal-cord-injury\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clinical guidance for patients and healthcare providers<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/msktc.org\/sites\/default\/files\/lib\/docs\/Factsheets\/SCI_and_Pregnancy_.pdf\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pregnancy and Women with Spinal Cord Injury factsheet<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Postpartum Support International<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.postpartum.net\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Free virtual support groups and peer mentor program<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"font-weight:700;font-size:14px;color:#fff;margin:0 0 3px;\">Shepherd Center \u2014 Women&#8217;s Health Resources<\/p>\n<p>    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myshepherdconnection.org\/sci\/women\" style=\"font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.65);text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Resource hub and video series, including pregnancy<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_2048765613 {\n  padding-top: 0;\n  padding-bottom: 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1927698002\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-2116882532\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1309794083\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<div style=\"background:#831843;padding:36px 40px;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;\">\n<div style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0 0 18px;\">Key Takeaways<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Paralysis doesn&#8217;t prevent pregnancy \u2014 but bladder health, blood clots, and skin\/transfer safety need a care team experienced with SCI.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Autonomic dysreflexia is a serious risk for injuries above T6 \u2014 symptoms can mimic preeclampsia and require an alert medical team.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">A documented delivery plan, an accessibility check with the hospital, and anesthesia planning meaningfully lower risk during labor.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:12px;\">\n<div style=\"width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.4);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:7px;\"><\/div>\n<p style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.7;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9);margin:0;\">Postpartum depression affects roughly 1 in 8 women and is treatable \u2014 peer support and a strong network make a real difference.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1927698002 {\n  padding-top: 0;\n  padding-bottom: 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_213561164\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-width:1px solid #E2E8F0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-999595118\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1768984527\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.1em;color:#831843;margin:0;\">\ud83d\udcda SEXUAL HEALTH SERIES \u2014 3-Part Series<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1768984527 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 10px 18px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-1210230725\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-97701171\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#E2E8F0;border-width:0 1px 0 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#BE185D;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Article 1<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/living-with-paralysis\/health\/sexual-health\/sexual-health-for-men\/\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sexual Health for Men<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-97701171 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1094111880\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#E2E8F0;border-width:0 1px 0 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#BE185D;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Article 2<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#1E293B;margin:0;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.christopherreeve.org\/todays-care\/living-with-paralysis\/health\/sexual-health\/sexual-health-for-women\/\" style=\"color:inherit;text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sexual Health for Women<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1094111880 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\t<div id=\"col-1772297857\" class=\"col medium-4 small-12 large-4\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:10px;color:#BE185D;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;margin:0 0 3px;\">Article 3<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight:600;font-size:13px;color:#831843;margin:0 0 5px;\">Pregnancy and Paralysis<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"display:inline-block;font-size:10px;font-weight:700;padding:2px 9px;border-radius:12px;background:#BE185D;color:#fff;\">You are here<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n<style>\n#col-1772297857 > .col-inner {\n  padding: 14px 16px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_213561164 {\n  padding-top: 0;\n  padding-bottom: 0;\n  margin-bottom: 20px 0 0;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t\n\n\t<section class=\"section\" id=\"section_1290895466\">\n\t\t<div class=\"section-bg fill\" >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t<div class=\"is-border\"\n\t\tstyle=\"border-color:#E2E8F0;border-width:1px 0 0 0;\">\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t<div class=\"section-content relative\">\n\t\t\t\n\n<div class=\"row\"  id=\"row-804440474\">\n\n\n\t<div id=\"col-818820910\" class=\"col large-12\"  >\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col-inner\"  >\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n<p style=\"font-size:12px;color:#64748B;line-height:1.7;margin:0;\">Source: Christopher &amp; Dana Reeve Foundation, National Paralysis Resource Center &middot; Supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services &middot; &copy; 2026 AccessLife<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n<style>\n#section_1290895466 {\n  padding-top: 16px 0 8px;\n  padding-bottom: 16px 0 8px;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/section>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[331],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5107","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bowl"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5107","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5107"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5107\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5419,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5107\/revisions\/5419"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5107"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5107"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/accesslife.co\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5107"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}