Description

Following a solid organ transplant, individuals have the capability to maintain a successful pregnancy. However, many post-transplant pregnancies are unintended, thereby posing risks to the health. There is a critical need to strengthen patient education regarding safe approaches to conception, general reproductive health, and childbearing capabilities. The complex needs of patients following transplant, including management of graft health and medication regimens, may distract from usual reproductive care offered to other individuals of childbearing potential. Thorough education about immunosuppressant medications, contraceptive methods, and expected waiting periods prior to conceiving are essential. Nurses can work with each individual and direct the interprofessional health care team to provide effective, safe, comprehensive, and inclusive reproductive care to patients post-transplant.? 

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Evaluate the impact that post-transplant medications have on reproductive outcomes.
  2. Compare contraceptive options for people after solid organ transplant. 

Citation: 

Pollard, A., Morse, B., & Soroken, L. (2023). Supporting Reproductive Care for Patients Requiring Solid Organ Transplant. Nursing for Women’s Health, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2022.11.006 

Faculty & Faculty Disclosures: 

Alyson L. Pollard, BSN 

Brenna L. Morse, PhD, FNP-BC, NCSN, CNE, PMGT-BC 

Laurie Soroken, PhD, ANP-BC 

Publication: 

Nursing for Women’s Health

Nursing Contact Hours:  

1.3 nursing contact hours (1.0 hours may be used for pharmacology hours; CNE available until February 6, 2026) 

AWHONN Accreditation Statement  

The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Accredited status does not imply endorsement by AWHONN or the ANCC of any commercial products displayed or discussed in conjunction with an educational activity. AWHONN is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider # CEP580.  

Copyright© 2023 by the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any other means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy recording without permission in writing from the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.   

Keywords: complex care, contraception, graft health, immunosuppressant, pregnancy, reproductive health, solid organ transplant

Target Audience:  women’s health, obstetric, and neonatal nurses