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Am J Perinatol 1986; 3(2): 115-118
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999845
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1986 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Preterm Labor in the Quadriplegic Parturient

Valerian A. Catanzarite1 , James E. Ferguson2  II , Candace Weinstein2 , Stephen R. Belton2
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico Medical Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The occurrence of preterm labor is not uncommon in the pregnant quadriplegic. Early diagnosis is hampered by the inability of most quadriplegics to sense uterine contractions in the usual way. A patient we recently treated for preterm labor learned to recognize contractions by the associated symptoms of autonomic hyper-reflexia: flushing, headache, and piloerection. Tocolytic therapy was successful and a favorable neonatal outcome occurred. Increased awareness by the physician and the pregnant quadriplegic patient is encouraged so that symptoms of autonomic hyper-reflexia may be recognized as potentially indicative of uterine contractions.