A decision making tool for women with spinal cord injuries who are considering pregnancy

A woman works on a computer.

Getting Started

This decision making tool is designed to help you and other women who have a spinal cord injury (SCI) think about a future pregnancy. Decision making tools help people make important decisions by giving them information and helping them think through what is important to them. People can also use decision making tools with their health care providers and other people close to them to help them talk about their decision. A decision about pregnancy is important for many women, but can be more complicated for a woman with an SCI.

 

This decision making tool is for you if you are a woman with an SCI AND you are thinking about a future pregnancy.

Using this decision making tool can help you …

  • Be clear about what is important to you in making a decision about pregnancy
  • Talk with important people in your life and your health care providers about this decision
  • Learn about what other women with SCI have experienced
  • Identify things you need to learn or think more about before you make a decision
  • Find information and resources

We encourage you to use this decision tool at a pace that works for you. There is no right or wrong way to use it! As the saying goes, every journey begins with a first step.

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I was so scared when my husband had to go back to work and I was alone with the baby for the first time. However, with the right adaptations around the house, I was able to relax and just enjoy my alone time with my baby without having to worry about not being able to do the things an able-bodied mom would do.

Focus Group Participant

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A Note on Gender

Throughout this tool, we use the word women to describe those who are going through the pregnancy decision making process. While we use this word, we understand that it is not only women who are able to get pregnant, and therefore are not the only people who may be considering a pregnancy. For those who aren’t women but are still deciding whether or not to get pregnant, please feel free to use our tool as you think about your decision. Our tool includes information that is relevant to anyone thinking about this decision.

 

As you go through this tool, keep in mind that you may need additional information and resources relevant to your pregnancy decision making journey. Health care providers who affirm your gender and are knowledgeable about your disability can help you navigate any thoughts and questions you may have. Online resources can also be a great way to find relevant information. For more information on accessing online resources, please look at the worksheet How to Find Reliable Information & Resources.