September is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, and one of the questions I get asked all the time online is some version of: “How did you get pregnant and have two kids if you can’t walk?”
I’ve always been an open book, so I don’t mind answering questions, but I had to hop on this reel trend because people really do forget that pregnancy has nothing to do with walking.
After my car accident in 2008, I had questions too about childbirth with a spinal cord injury. But most of those concerns came from a place of not knowing. That’s why I share… to replace ignorance with information.
Here’s the truth: globally, an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 people sustain a spinal cord injury every year, and many go on to build families.
Mobility has nothing to do with fertility.
If everything is fine with a woman and her uterus, pregnancy and childbirth are possible with the right medical care.
Representation matters. When I was newly injured, I didn’t see many women who looked like me raising families and living full lives.
That’s why I share. So someone else doesn’t have to wonder if it’s possible.
If you learn something here, pass it on. Correct the myths when you hear them, because awareness grows when more of us speak up.
At the end of the day, my greatest testimonies call me “Mommy,” and they prove every single day that life after SCI is still life full of miracles.
I have a playlist on my YouTube channel from my first pregnancy, including a full birth vlog.
I’ll be posting every day this September to shed light on life after SCI. If you have questions or any topic you’d like me to address during this series, please ask away in comments or send a DM.
#SpinalCordInjuryAwarenessMonth #SpinalCordInjury #DisabilityAwareness #SCICommunity #DisabilityVisibility
September is recognized as Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, a crucial time to shed light on the experiences of individuals living with spinal cord injuries (SCI). One common misconception that persists is the belief that physical mobility directly impacts a woman's ability to conceive and carry a child. However, this is far from the truth. Spinal cord injury can affect various body functions depending on the nature and level of the injury, but fertility is not necessarily impaired by the inability to walk or move. The uterus and reproductive system can continue to function normally, making pregnancy and childbirth possible with appropriate medical support. Women with SCI who wish to start families should consult healthcare professionals who specialize in high-risk obstetrics and rehabilitation to ensure tailored care throughout pregnancy. This awareness is vital because representation matters. For many women with SCI, seeing others who have navigated pregnancy and motherhood successfully can provide hope and motivation. Sharing personal stories helps combat ignorance and replaces myths with accurate information about what life after SCI entails. In addition to medical considerations, emotional and social support play key roles in the journey of pregnancy for women with SCI. Building a supportive network of family, friends, and medical caregivers contributes to positive pregnancy experiences and healthy outcomes for mother and child. Additionally, many women with SCI share their childbirth experiences through various platforms, including vlogs and social media, providing real-life insights and practical advice to others in similar situations. These personal narratives emphasize that having a spinal cord injury is not a barrier to motherhood but a different path that can still lead to a fulfilling family life. For those curious or hesitant about pregnancy after SCI, learning from others who have gone through the process can alleviate fears and encourage informed decision-making. Spreading awareness during Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month helps create a more inclusive and understanding society where myths are challenged, and empowering stories of resilience are celebrated.
I'm watching my show Mom.