I am 23 years old with mild Cerebral Palsy in my legs and arms. I can walk on my own and with a backwards walker. I have a manual wheelchair to use for long distances. Now that I might be pregnant, is it safe to walk with my walker or should I use my wheelchair full time? Please write back. Thank you!

-- Anonymous, July 03, 2002

Answers

I am also 23 years old and have mild cerebral palsey in both my legs. I use a walking stick/crutches. I have muscle spacicity, poor balance and 'jolt' when I walk. Like you I have a manual wheelchair for long distances (mainly for the sake of speed).

I continued to walk right through my pregnancy, only using a wheelchair (pushed by my husband) on long shopping trips or when the extra weight started to be too much at the end of the day.

I gave birth (naturaly) to a healthy baby boy on 06 May 2002, (7lb 4oz) proving all the doctors/midwives, who said I'd have to have a ceasarian, wrong.

Like you I worried at the start of my pregnancy about the implications of my disability, but the baby is cusioned by amniotic fluid within the womb.

Please don't be frightened of the way you think your disability may affect your pregnancy/birth. Of all my (3) friends from my antenatal class, I was the only one who DIDN'T have a difficult birth.

I would be very interested to know how things are going for you and I hope I may be able to provide some support.

Take care,

Maria.

-- Anonymous, July 18, 2002

Congrats on your Pregnancy. I am sure you are doing ok. Yes I am a male, and not Femail. I have lots of frineds with CP who gave birth to children. It is no different. In fact, it is better you walk, to have exercise. I have CP myself, but again , Male. Don't take it as a negative, I used to be in CP Sports. I know Lots of people , Just like US!,, I use a wheel chair for Long Distance as well, I can walk without any devices. Some days are worse than others. I can't stand without support. As in One place..

Scott

-- Anonymous, April 29, 2003