Scoliosis and childbirth

[musicmummytobe]

Hi everyone,
I have moderate scoliosis with an S curve and am 16 weeks pregnant. I haven't thought twice about it until I received an appointment asking me to come to the hospital for a check up on it to determine whether it would cause me any difficulties. I then stupidly googled scoliosis and childbirth and found lots of horror stories about women who try to give birth vaginally and a general consensus that it is better to go for a C section. I really wanted a natural birth - has anyone else had experience of scoliosis and been able to deliver naturally? Thanks so much in advance x

[biilbosmum]

I'm wondering how big your curves are? My DD has been diagnosed. She's nearly 18 and has a compensated single C curve of 40 degrees. Her consultant said childbirth wouldn't be a problem.
In our limited experience we have found GPs to know v little about scoliosis, and I wonder if midwives are similar? Perhaps check with a spinal bod too?? Good luck with your pregnancy.

[lynholmerpark]

Your Consultant (assume that's what appointment is for) will want to assess the extent on your scoliosis and then make a plan with you. He will prob want you seen by anaesthetist too to assess feasibility of an epidural/spinal if the need arose. I've looked after women with this who have had a normal vaginal birth so don't lose hope.

[Cuppachaplz]

Stay away from dr Google xx

My mam had a scoliosis, and was advised that she needed a c section. Apparently the curve was low in her spine. This was the 70s do she was told to get in With it, and required s section for both my brother and me.
Times have moved on. Find out which consultant at your hospital and ask to see them, rather than risk averse one. If you gave a birth choices clinic or consultant me, ask to discuss with them.
IME if you make your wishes plain, they will put a plan in place for you. They may have a lower tolerance hit intervention/more stringent monitoring/less willing for you to go overdue than otherwise, but this should be discussed With your consultant, who, with your notes and you in Front if him, will be best placed to assess and discuss your needs.
I hope you get what you want xx
Fwiw I have a friend with a scoliosis who has had 2 successful vagjnal births, the second of which was allowed in a pool owing tithe success of the first. Good luck xx

[musicmummytobe]

Thanks for your positive responses - really appreciate it. Definitely still hoping for a natural birth

[LumpishAndIllogical]

I have scoliosis in my lower back (lumbar?) c curve which is also twisted with a twisted pelvis. Delivered my ds fine, straight forward vaginal birth about 5 years ago (12 hours labour). Now pregnant with ds2. Good luck (and stay away from google ) x

[AGapInTheMarket]

Moderate scoliosis here (can't remember degrees) and straightforward, QUICK vaginal birth 2 years ago.
NEVER GOOGLE. :)

[stargirl1701]

Try AIMS for support?

http://www.aims.org.uk

[musicmummytobe]

Thank you so much ladies - it's brilliant to hear the positive stories, really appreciate it and the link! I met with the doctor and he didn't seem too concerned, didn't even check me, just set up at appt for 34 weeks with the anaesthetist to check if there would be any problems if I did need an epi or c section but he said his aim was still for a natural birth for me :) thanks again xx

[Zorion]

moderate scoliosis here too and had a normal vaginal birth with epidural and no problems at all, I was nervous before but it turned out fine

[musicmummytobe]

Brilliant, thanks Zorion

[Fisherwoman14]

I have S shaped scoliosis too and was sent to consultant anethetist who looked at my back at about 30 weeks and seemed pretty happy. I didn't get any vibes from anyone that labour or delivery would be any issue but the reason I was sent was in case I wanted an epidural (didn't have as it happened) or if I needed a c-section and he said that if worse came to worse and they couldn't do a spinal for a c-section then they'd do it via general anaesthetic. He seemed to think I'd be ok because of my absence of "back fat" so he could see my spine/vertebrae quite clearly to stick the needle in. I had no preference for getting the baby out - so long as it (she) was alive and preferably so was I - so I wasn't bothered if I needed an epidural/c-section/GA. I don't remember any talk of monitoring my scoliosis during my labour or any time pressures with pushing (but I was pretty high!). In fact I totally forgot I had it. I do wonder if my tolerance for back pain due to scoliosis helped with labour back pain? That and the fact it wasn't a too drawn out labour (10hrs start to finish - 5hrs "active"). Good luck!

[musicmummytobe]

Ah thanks so much Fisher - it's great to hear your story and I'm glad it all went well for you great to hear from someone with the same issue and hear that labour was no worse than it would be for someone without it. Much appreciated x