Scoliosis/Pregnancy/ Herring rods placed in spine/Birth

nurse16 · Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

You really need to consult your the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist at the hospital where you plan to deliver your baby to get more information. He/She will examine your back and may require xrays because giving an epidural or spinal block may depend on the placement of the rods. If it is not possible to get an epidural or spinal and a c-section is necessary, you could get general anesthesia, which will be reversed after the baby is delivered. It is possible to deliver naturally following scoliosis surgery, and just like with mother who have not undergone surgery, there are other pain management techniques to practice before labor so that you can get through your contractions, like breathing, concentration, massage, changing positions, warm water... whatever works for you. Birth is a wonderful thing, and a lot of women don't realize how much they are missing out on when they get an epidural because most of the time the epidural complicates things and actually slows the process down and makes it necessary to give pitocin. Look it up. You ladies are all champions already for dealing with the pain of scoliosis and the surgery that goes along with it, I know you can handle the pain of labor!

Guest · Guest

I have severe scoliosis with a rod and infusion. Now 28 engaged and planning a future, I am no longer upset (as I have done since a teenager) about not being able to carry a baby. I thought that it could severly hurt myself or baby and could only carry to min delevery stage. I had a sarogant mother planned for the last 10 years but since doing some research..... Im going to plan it out well and carry in the near future Smile

Thanks for your encouragement.

nic10021 · Newbie Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 1

Hi Ladies,

I had my surgery in 1981. As I approach 40 years old, I've been trying to decide if it's too much to have kids. I, too, have been searching the web for info on dangers, tips or anything else to help my husband and I decide.

We have gotten such a mix of responses from HCPs that it seems like all they are giving us in an opinion.

Nurse16, what state are you in? I'm in NYC. Is there a specific OBGYN that specializes or has experience with moms with rods?

Guest · Guest

Hey ladies:) I had the spinal surgery as well and was told that I might have to go under anesthesia and I am worried because I want to be awake when I have my baby. What is the reason for needing to be under anesthesia? I want to set up whatever type of birth that I know I am going to be able to be awake for right when my baby is born.

Thanks,
Amanda

Guest · Guest

I have had two children since my spinal fusion. With my first daughter, I was told I could have an epidural, only to have it not take in the end. I felt EVERY contraction. My legs were numb though, so I could not walk around to relieve any pain. With my second, I was told flat out by the anestesiologist weeks before I was due that the epidural wasn't gonna happen. Therefore, I had time to prepare. I found that the bathtub works wonders!

Guest · Guest

I am a 45 year old mother of eight. I have an upper and lower curve, the lower being about 40 degrees. I have had 4 of my children with a midwife naturally. Sometimes there was more back pain in pregnancy, and sometimes the growing baby sort of evened things out. The births without drugs were far more fulfilling than the others.

Guest · Guest

i am 21yrs old and have congenital scoliosis, i am 30wks pregnant and still havent been told if i can have a natural birth any advice please?

Guest · Guest

Hello,

I am currently 6 mos preg and was told they did not feel confident they cold get an epidural in because of the rods, however they felt confident with a spinal. The reason for the c-section is because of pain tolerance, they consider me high risk not the baby. So far I have been lucky to not have major pain in my back, sleeping is tough but that's normal I hear. I have also watched the weight I am putting on so that it doesn't add to the discomfort and I am limiting my working out to not put the pressure or take the risk.

I really wish there was more education out there- seems like we are all in the same boat and a lot of the dr's have no consistent idea what to do with us!

Guest · Guest

Hi Ladies,

I had a thoracic spinal fusion in 2004 when I was 18, performed by a wonderful surgeon. Even at 18 I had the presence of mind to ask about risks/complications with pregnancy after the operation. He told me I could totally have children, no problem. I'm now 37 weeks pregnant with my first child and have had a perfect pregnancy. I'm looking forward to deliver vaginally with no complications and to use whatever pain management is necessary- hopefully I can pull it off without anything! Yeah right, LOL!

After I have her, and find the time, I will post again so we can see what actually goes down. I have access to some of the best doctors on the west coast, very progressive and experienced in their field. So far I have not been held back or restricted in anyway and do not anticipate any restrictions during my labor/delivery. Let's just wait and see.

HollyBerree · Newbie Joined: 19 Jun 2008 Posts: 1

Hi, I am 24 years old and when i was 13, i had surgery for scoliosis and now have a rod in my back. I became pregnant with my first child when i was 19. I carried her in my back so i had a lot of back pain. ALOT! But i had a very easy birth. They gave me and epidural and I had her natural. Very Very easy birth of my first child. Then 2 years later i got pregnant with my second child and again had some pain in my back but still received an epidural and had an easy birth. Now I am trying for my third child and I'm not worried at all. I deal with a lot of daily pain in my back though, but ive become used to it after 11 years. But for the women out there that are worried about getting pregnant with a rod in their back....don't worry. Make sure you let your doctor know, and be prepared for some aching but as for the epidural and the birth....there is nothing to be worried about. I hope I helped someone out there. Good Luck

Scoliosis/Pregnancy/ Herring rods placed in spine/Birth

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