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Women with spinal cord injury (SCI) have unique health care issues related to their obstetric and gynecological needs. They represent only about 20% of all individuals with SCI, so information is limited related to their health and wellness. This video series was created to educate women and healthcare professionals on specific medical issues and care of women with SCI.
  • Part I - The Gynecological Examination: This video educates healthcare providers on providing women with SCI an accurate, safe and comfortable annual GYN examination. It features interviews of women with SCI and their views on reproductive health issues. Covers management of autonomic dysreflexia, transfers from wheelchair to exam table, positioning on the exam table, breast examination, mammograms and pap smears.
  • Part II - Pregnancy & Delivery: This video follows a woman with C5 spinal cord injury and her experiences with pregnancy, and it includes a discussion group of other women who have had children after SCI. Topics focus on the many questions related to becoming pregnant and having  children. It provides suggestions on managing issues of pregnancy, labor and delivery such as medications, bowel & bladder management, urinary tract infection, weight gain/mobility, skin care, respiratory complications, muscle spasms, autonomic dysreflexia.

Part I was supported in part by grant #H133B30025 from the National Institute of Disability and Rehabilitation Research, US Department of Education.  Part II was funded by grant #476-000 from the Education and Training Foundation of the Paralyzed Veterans of America. Opinions expressed in the videos are not necessarily those of the granting agency.

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