Scoliosis/Pregnancy/ Herring rods placed in spine/Birth

That is a great question! I had a spinal fusion for scoliosis T2-L4-5 in 1980- so much has changed since then I'm sure; however, I subsequently delivered two babies and had a bit of a difficult time with each. Until I was pregnant, I wasn't prepared for the fact that I would not be able to have an epidural due to the fact that my fusion would not allow spinal injections (unless an air space existed) and furthermore, very few Dr's would attempt it - even if a small air space existed due to liability. So for me, it became a choice of natural birth - without much pain meds or a general anesthetic c- section. I delivered two children, the first ended in a c-section the second was a vaginal birth. Both involved what they call "pro dromo" labor- long. Best wishes to you as you prepare to give birth!

I had my 1st surgery at age 11 they put rods and took 2 ribs out I had a 75 degree curve after my surgery I have been in alot of pain n I see several types of doctors but nine of them really know what it is from n why I am in soo much pain they tell me to exercise so I do.... But anyways when u are pregnant are u in pain alot ? And do you carry the baby for full term? Are you ever on. Bed rest? N does everyone get a c section with scoliosis? Is this pain a whole lot worse then normal?

I am 17 years old and I had a spinal fusion when I was 14.  I still have scoliosis now, due to something called a "crank shaft" where my spine continued to curve even after the sugery (lucky me- I think it was the surgeon's fault), but it is around the 30s now I believe in the middle of my spine.  I recently went to my regular doctor who was saying pregancy would be hard and maybe not possible because of the scoliosis, although my surgeon said it would be ok.  Obviously I don't want to get preganat now but will I be able to have a normal, natural pregnancy later in life???? Someone please help :( 

Wow! I am so happy and surprised that I have found this group, and that this exists! I felt so alone for such a long time, and I can't believe it's taken me this long to search for others who have undergone this type of ordeal before. I had a full spinal fusion (anterior & posterior) done in 2007 and two corrective surgeries after that in 2008; I had hardware malfunction. I was 18. I am now almost 25 and starting to think of my future of having children. Even though I'm not there yet, I think it's important that I start asking questions to my doctors. I failed to do so when I had this fusion, and being rodded wasn't my best choice. I do suffer from chronic pain, and my life is completely different. Did anyone else feel that the pain worsened after being fused? I feel that I should have sought alternative methods prior, and now it would be unwise to try to get the rods removed since my spine is fused and that would mean another surgery. The area where I live (SW Florida) is not known for its medical professionals; I have yet to meet a good one. Does anyone know of any top quality spinal fusion/scoliosis centers? I am looking for help to maintaining a better life and hopefully living pain-free one day. It scares me to think that carrying the pregnant belly & all the extra weight on my mid-section will cause me to become bed-ridden. I wonder if the fetus will grow healthy... and how my delivery will go. I guess I'm a worrier! Thanks for reading & please feel free to respond or ask Q's or answer any of mine! I've never really had any contact like this before... someone who actually understands and can relate!

when i was 25 years old, i had a car accident which fractured my spine on my L2 and tore ligaments on my back. To help support my back, i had 2 rods placed in my back due to the only option to help me. I am now 28 and 3 months pregnant. After the car accident i was worried that i couldnt carry a baby as the specialist told me not to put on to much weight as it will cause pain. I sometimes get lower back pain during the winter months or if i sleep bad. I used to depend on nurofen + but now panadol is my only option.

 It is great to hear that i may have an epidural if needed but am very scared about the number of attempts it will take to get it right.Hopefully i dont get a c section.

 I will be taking my xrays with me at time of labour. I am hoping to have a natural birth with no drugs and am thinking about a water birth as an option. I am so happy i am pregnant after so many miscarriges and tubal removable. miracles can happen.

I will post again in 2 months time, after i find out what i am having and what options i have about labour.

Previous poster I wonder if you can update what happened. I am pregnant and had my rods removed. Is my chances of a successful epidural better now?

I had scoliosis surgery at the age of 12 for my "S" shaped spine (with rods placed beside spine). I was told that if I didn't have the surgery I would be dead at 50 (69 degree upper curvature, 45 degree lower curvature). Anyways, I am currently pregnant with my second baby and I'm hoping it goes similar to my first (4 years ago). I had an epidural (it took 3 attempts to get through around my fusions) and it was quite successful! I didn't feel a thing! Even had to ask if my pushing was doing anything.

p.s. I'm now 32

I have a Herrington rod in my back and it was a breeze for me. I was in labor for 4 hours. I delivered naturally ........ No problems

 I had a Harrington rod fusion back in 1978.  I too was afraid when the time came to have my children.  Early in my pregnancies I met with my orthopedic surgeon and staff anesthesiologist concerning my options and what to expect during labor and delivery.  I was told that I could not have an epidural, but that other pain medications were options.  I had three healthy pregnancies and natural deliveries.  The rod was not a hindrance in any way.  I am thankful to God that He has blessed me despite my childhood back problems.

thank you. this helps

Amen!, we need research done for us....

Hi I'm in a similar position to you. I had lumber fusion in 2012 and 2013 and have just had the metalwork removed in Feb this year. I'm currently 16 weeks pregnant with baby number three. Although this is really exciting I also couldn't find much info online about what I could expect to face during the pregnancy at each stage. I've started a blog on ***edited by moderator*** web addresses not allowed to follow my pregnancy and let other women with back conditions know what it's been like for me.
Hopefully it will give women piece of mind and stop and scary ideas that we all have.
Please email me if you have any specific questions.

Hello, I am wondering how the rest of your pregnancy was and how you managed your pain. I'm currently 2 months along but have had chronic back pain since my spinal fusion to correct my scoliosis in 2000 when I was 13. The dr then said I would most likely be on bed rest the last few months and have a c section. We are so blessed and thankful for this amazing gift, however I'm affraid of the pain :( thank you for your time!!

I have two rods in my back, I had that done when I was 13 I am now 20 and 4 weeks pregnant. The pain is intolerable and I'm having trouble sitting laying down and I'm having back spasms has anyone had the same problems?