Scoliosis/Pregnancy/ Herring rods placed in spine/Birth

Guest · Guest

I had harrington rods placed in 1980 in my lower lumbar region. I gave birth to twins in 2003. I was able to deliver them naturally. I too was told that if they did a C-section I would not be able to give me an epidural. I opted to try natural childbirth and just required a little Demerol. I did have back pain during pregnancy but I don't know that it was anymore associated with the rods than natural pregnancy.

Guest · Guest

HI,
I had an anterior spinal fusion when I was 19 years old...I am just about 30 years old! My daughter is now 22 months old and I did not have an epidural as the anesthesoligst was not "keen" on the idea. My fusion was from T-10-L1. I had a completely natural delivery and it was quite painful. My daughter was 9 lbs, 6 oz, 22"!! I'm on the petite size....around 5 '7, 119 lbs before delivery. So it was not a fun experience. Of course the end result was a miracle but if I could have had an epidutral I would have done so. I was wondering if anybody can reassure me that the epi. does not interfer with those verterbrae? I'm about to have #2 in October!! Very Happy

Guest · Guest

I wanted to repond to your question. I wasnt able to get to much info myself. They always told me we would just have to see how I would do when the time comes!
I have had scoliosis since birth, had herrington rod surgery when I was 12 yrs old, that has been 28yrs ago. I had 2 pregnancies with normal deliveries. Not much complication! A really tipped uterus, some back labor and other than a little oral pain med, I deivered naturally. I encourage you to take real good care of yourself and try to keep as slim as you can. I didnt gain much weight with my pregnancies and I wasnt that heavy when I got pregnant. I know that even 5 lb weight gain makes a big difference with my back pain. Good luck!

mommy2three · Newbie Joined: 10 Jul 2007 Posts: 1

I had the surgery back in '94 when I was 11 years old, and now I am currently 24, and pregnant with #3. I had absolutely no problem with my back during any of my pregnancies. I did however have c-sections to play it on the safe side, as to not hurt my back during natural labor. I was put under a general anesthesia by my own request. I couldn't trust someone to dig around and "hope" to find the right spot to put the spinal. I would love to be awake during the birth of my children, but I would rather be "safe" and be able to function normally after the birth. I think if you can go through the pain of the back surgery then being pregnant and having a c-section is a BREEZE!!

Flic29 · Newbie Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 1

I have had severe scoliosis since birth. I have had two different types of rods and now have my spine fused. I am very short in stature 4'6" due to genetics and the scoliosis. I recently went to see a gynecologist to look into the possibility of pregnancy and he was very negative. He said I would have breathing difficulty and would likely need hospitalization towards the end of a pregnancy and may not carry to term. Should I try anyway, look at other options (adoption etc) or get another opinion.

Guest · Guest

I asked a doctor a few years ago if pregnancy would be a problem with the rods in my back, and he said not at all! He said that the only complication he could forsee would be a little extra pain on my lower back because of the weight of the baby, but other than that he said I should be fine.

Guest · Guest

HI, I too had rods placed on my spine at the age of 16, now I am 25 and even back then I worried about being able to have children. Currently I am a nurse and while I was in nursing school on my L&D rotation, I had this conversation with an anesthesiologist, who coincidentally had the same issue, but she was able to have two children, she explained to me that the issue would be with getting an epidural. I might not be able to. So I guess whenever I get to that time in my life I may have to consider getting a C-Sec. I really don't want to experience all that pain though. Hopefully in time more information comes out to people in our unique situation. Good luck to all!

Guest · Guest

Hi, I'm also in the same boat as most on here, I'm 15 wks preg. with my 1st and I'm very concerned about labor too! I had a herring rod to correct my spine for scoliosis when I was 13, and I've been questioning about how I could give birth. Talking to dr. and my ob dr. They are telling me that the best option would be to opt for C-section. being that it's my 1st I'm a bit nervous on what options to take. She also said that I could get IV medication and be okay, but being that I have a best friend who has had 2 children already with IV medication, she claims it doesn't work. Just was curious about the different types of medications, and the safety. I know either way it's going to be painful, but I just want the best option for the best results. Can anyone help me?

MESHIA · Newbie Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

HI,

I had rods placed in my back at the age of 11 and now im 28 years old. I have had 2 beautiful children. I was told that i couldn't have an epidural because it might affect the rods. so i had both of my children natural with no medicine what so ever. After 17 years of no problems i just recently started having real bad back pain and i was wondering have any body else had any problems with their rods bothering them?

ncardil · Newbie Joined: 15 Feb 2008 Posts: 8

I was actually excited to see this post
I have 2 rods and in my spine and the spinal fusion. I had my scoliosis surgery in 95.
I had my first child in 03, and second in 04. Both I had vaginally.
With my first child they attempted the epidural unsuccessfully 6 times!! Shocked

(at my crazy request) anyway, to no avail.
I ended up with iv drugs to take the edge off.
my second baby, we knew the epidural was not gonna work. they gave me a spinal epithecal (sp?) and it worked GREAT! the catch...it only works for about 2 hours....so you really got wait it out and hope you don't ask to soon. For me, I was blessed and it worked out great.
maybe ask your doc about that. Smile

Good luck!

Scoliosis/Pregnancy/ Herring rods placed in spine/Birth

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