The condition of a person with a physical disability can raise questions about their sex life, as well as their fertility. Some people are still surprised to see couples (with one of them in a wheelchair) holding a baby, to have had a child after becoming paraplegic, or even to have been living with this reality for some time. Despite the condition, sexuality and the individual’s fertility often remain intact, without any issues. But from a medical and personal point of view, is it possible for a wheelchair user to have children, for a woman in a wheelchair to get pregnant? Is pregnancy normal like any other, or are there extra precautions? What are the challenges?
Challenge 1: Dealing With Prejudice
The presence and need for a wheelchair in someone’s life can bring many types of prejudice, and one of them is about sexual life. People’s curiosity and also misinformation can be quite bothersome and lead to many questions throughout a wheelchair user’s life. A couple in love, regardless of whether they are wheelchair users or not, can definitely have children; wheelchair users have sex! It is not uncommon these days to see pregnant women in wheelchairs, men in wheelchairs whose wives or girlfriends are pregnant, and even with a small child and another on the way. Thanks to advances in medicine and all the necessary tests, it is now known that there is no problem for couples who are wheelchair users to have children. Some say that some completely unprepared people ask how these things happen between a wheelchair user and their partner, although it is obvious—it is a question they will have to deal with for some time. It comes down to being psychologically prepared to endure certain indiscretions, or who knows, good humor and a hint of sarcasm.
Challenge 2: The Physical Aspect
The truth is, if the person, even in a wheelchair, leads a healthy life, maintains a normal sexual routine, and aside from what caused the paralysis, is physically and psychologically able to have a baby, there is nothing that prevents pregnancy from happening. Women in particular, if healthy from a reproductive standpoint, will continue to menstruate and have ovulatory cycles and if they have sexual relations, can get pregnant. There are some challenges for conception, such as becoming pregnant when the uterus is a bit more arched or contracted from sitting or lying down, for example, but this varies from person to person, as always. For men in wheelchairs, there is no problem if he is able to have an erection with sensation and penetration up to the point of ejaculation, because sexual desire remains the same after losing movement from the waist down. The type of spinal cord injury the man suffered will directly affect his erection, whether it was complete or partial. However, this is a particularly sensitive issue for any man and should be addressed with a specialist because sex in these cases starts in the mind, in the psychological aspect, and, of course, in touch, glances, and the love between the couple. Even though he is in a wheelchair, he will also continue to produce sperm, except for some specific cases where the man has suffered a more severe trauma to the area that led to infertility (oligospermia, azoospermia, etc). And for pregnant women in wheelchairs?
What Problems Can Occur
A pregnant woman in a wheelchair will require more care during pregnancy, due to some common pregnancy-related issues, and of course, also because she is a wheelchair user. However, the problems mainly affect the mother, because the baby develops normally, with no increased risks or special care needed. The possible problems include: Urinary tract infection: this is a constant risk for any wheelchair user, but it must be closely monitored by the doctor during pregnancy, as a urinary tract infection can cause miscarriage. Circulatory problems and thrombosis: Pregnant women should pay attention to their circulation, just as women who are not wheelchair users do. However, some problems like thrombosis may occur. In these cases, the doctor will prescribe blood thinners to help during this phase. Weight: Weight is an issue for any pregnant woman, but if she was already overweight before pregnancy, extra care should be taken with the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure during pregnancy. The cause of the mother’s condition: This is an aspect the doctor will consider. If the cause was external, not physical or genetic, it will not be a problem. However, if there was a disease that led to the mother using a wheelchair, the doctor will order tests to check the baby’s health. Challenge 3: Baby Movements and Delivery Normally, women in wheelchairs have paralysis from the waist down, right? But at this point, baby movements can indeed be felt. Not in the same way as a pregnant woman with full sensitivity, who feels every move of the baby, but as something different from what she’s used to feeling. It can range from a slight discomfort to even a jolt. Sensation, as with men, will depend entirely on the degree of spinal cord injury, which determines the sensitivity the person will have throughout their life. Therefore, and again, this is one of many possibilities, but it is indeed possible for the mother to feel the baby’s movements. And just like the movements, contractions can be felt! Therefore, any unusual sensation should be reported to an obstetrician. The delivery for a pregnant woman in a wheelchair does not necessarily have to be a C-section. It is perfectly possible for her to have a vaginal birth, again depending on her level of sensitivity. For a vaginal birth, the woman needs to be able to push with the lower abdominal muscles, like the well-known “bowel movement push.” If she can do this, it is possible to have a vaginal delivery. All of life’s changes bring a fresh perspective to anyone’s life, but when it comes to giving birth, the joy is multiplied a thousand times. Wheelchair users or people with disabilities, everyone deserves to experience the joy of motherhood or fatherhood. For total safety and happiness, always consult your doctor and be happy! See also: High-Risk Pregnancy – Which Cases Are Considered? Photo: John_lennon2010
