Scoliosis and pregnancy

[shi_san_yee]

Hi all, I've had scoliosis as a teen and had surgery when i was 13 to insert harrington rods for spinal support. Now that I'm 30 weeks pregnant, I worry about the possibilities of a normal natural childbirth, and if need be, am i able to have epidural or must it be a c-sect with GA?

Anyone with experience?

 

[Phoebii Cheng]

Hi

My sister oso had scoliosis when she was a teen and oso had operation, she had natural birth and now she is a mummy of 3 lovely kids....

So yes I think it is possible for u to hv natural birth and as for epidural mayb u would like to ask ur gynae if it is possible, cos' for my sis she did not hv epidural at all....brave woman!

 

[shi_san_yee]

Hi hi! Thanks for the reply. was getting kinda worried n paranoid that i seem like the only mtb with scoliosis surgery. OK, that sounds very encouraging, at least no need to be super worried abt natural birth. But no epidural?! brave!! kowtow.

 

[Mummy to Baby V]

I have slight scoliosis without need for surgery, serious pain on hip during pregnancy. Using pre-natal support belt helped a lot.

Anyway, ask your gynae to refer you to a good anaesthetist (with extensive experience in administering epidural), then discuss with him/her regarding your condition. Book him in advance so that he'd be there during your delivery. Being prepared is a good way to put your mind at ease.

 

[shi_san_yee]

I have slight scoliosis without need for surgery, serious pain on hip during pregnancy. Using pre-natal support belt helped a lot.

Anyway, ask your gynae to refer you to a good anaesthetist (with extensive experience in administering epidural), then discuss with him/her regarding your condition. Book him in advance so that he'd be there during your delivery. Being prepared is a good way to put your mind at ease.

That's where my dilemma is. COz i'd definitely prefer a natural without epidural BUT of course there will also be the unexpected or last minute change to that, so booking an anesthetist will prob cost a bomb lor. Some websites say that ppl with scoliosis corrective surgery cannot go ahead with epidural so that's prob where the main concern is, no idea if it's accurate, even tho i've asked. (my gynae doesn't like answering my questions)

U tried swimming? supposed to improve the curvature. post surgery i still get horrible aches and the lopsided back pain, so i sleep on rolled towels, they help. and i guess loads of glucosamine + condroitin.

 

[Mummy to Baby V]

I think your gynae is not familiar with this area, so can't help. Think it's better to seek an epidural anaesthetist's opinion.

Before and during pregnancy, I practised Pilates daily, very good for spine.

 

[Flower34]

During my pregnancy, I went to see a chiropractor who specialised in scoliosis. Dr Kevin Lau even wrote a self-help book about scoliosis and pregnancy which gave me the right exercises to do during my pregnancy.

 

[RuseMilison]

I also visited a chiropractor when I had back pain and migraine. The treatment that prescribed me a chiropractor helped me to get rid of back pain. He also explained to me that migraines could appear because of an unhealthy lifestyle and a lot of stress. So, I decided to do some sports, eat healthily, and meditate. He also said that my body wasn't in a good shape and I agreed with him because he was right, I didn't have an active lifestyle. I found him at this site https://kosakchiro.com/. Sitting whole day in front of the screen and not being active can be the reason for many problems with your body and muscle weakness.

 

[rebeccamur]

I understand perfectly, I'm with you!

 

[krenggg57]

Aside from your obstetrician, I think it's also important to see an orthopaedic doctor to help manage scoliosis. I have scoliosis and during my pregnancy I went to see an ortho called Dr Sean Ng. He was hands on with me but still tailored his treatments according to my health and pregnancy.