Would you have a c-section with these issues? Hypermobility, disc problems, osteoarthritis

[user1476651402]

This is somewhat hypothetical, as I'm not pregnant yet. But I'm hoping to be next year. I have various musculo-skeletal issues and I'm a bit concerned about how they will affect pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a baby.

I have been diagnosed with joint hypermobility syndrome (7 or 8 on the Beighton scale). My shoulders, spine and hips are all affected. I also have bulging discs in my spine, and some osteoarthritis. My consultant says that I also have fibromyalgia, although I only have flares once every few weeks. I am in some kind of pain most days. I wear kt tape on my back and shoulders, and sometimes on my hands. I am having physiotherapy to try to sort out these problems.

I am worried that the pressure of pregnancy and birth will damage me. There's not much information available, but on here someone was saying that she had a bulging disc which herniated during childbirth and took a lot of time and surgery to repair. Now I'm scared of that happening! My rheumatologist won't commit and says we'll wait and see how it goes.

If anyone else has had these issues, what did you do and how did it work?

[rollingonariver]

I'm not sure op but bumping for you.

[Fefifoefum]

I am 39 weeks pregnant, I have a terrible lower back (MRI showed 4 herniated discs 3 years ago). I was offered surgery (double discectomy) and refused as had actually improved with some core exercises and I was only 25 at the time and had decided it wasn’t worth the risk. I lost weight and really worked on my core and I’ve been so much better!
I was convinced I’d be crippled by pregnancy, had physio on stand by, honestly my back has never been better! I’m still mobile now! I am 6ft so feel that has benefited me in that I didn’t get a bump really until 35 weeks!
As for c-section, I’m doing my best to avoid, yes there are rare stories of disc problems from vaginal birth, however they cut through your core muscles that support that back of yours in a c-section every time.
Just take advice, see how things go!

[Elephantgrey]

I have hypermobility and I am currently 28 weeks pregnant. I did lots of physiotherapy in preparation for pregnancy and I am honestly doing better joint wise than I thought I would do. I do have some pelvic pain and my knees are a lot more unstable.

My consultant thinks that I could have a natural birth which would be better from a wound healing point of view. My midwife has told me that I might be discharged to midwife led care and have my baby in the midwife led unit. I really don't want this as it seems very focused on people who are in good health and are going to be active in labour which is not me.

Hopefully someone will be able to give you a more helpful answer.

[saratustra]

I have scoliosis and osteoarthritis (both hips) and I'm having an ELCS next Tuesday, on my request. MW didn't think my case (add 4 huge fibroids and 40 year old first time mum) was "bad enough" for section but consultants supported my decision - I think nothing says you can't try for a natural birth, but personally (as Esc2c said) prefer not taking the risk of facing a crash section when not sure how anaesthetic is going to work in my column, or any other emergency situation. Again, it's my opinion - but I think ELCS are best when you have health issues as you can manage risks proactively (I'm generalising of course, every situation is different).
I'm having an appointment with the anaesthetist today to asses my spine, I'm sure you would be offered the same in your situation