Anyone else pregnant with a VP shunt

[Fluffeh]

Just that really. I have a programable VP shunt to treat intracranial hypertension. My neurosurgeon said it shouldn't interfere with baby at all but will stop functioning as my abdominal pressure increases.
I will be having an ELCS to stop my intracranial pressure rising any higher in labour but I worry about whether the shunt and the baby will both be ok?
I'm 12+4 and have my first scan tomorrow where I'll meet my new obstetrician and discuss any other issues she thinks might arise.
I just wondered if anyone has been or is in the same or a similar situation,
Thanks :)

[ImPeppaPigOink]

HI

I have a VP shunt for the same illness.

I am currently 24+3 and told I will be fine. I wont be seeing my NeuroSurgeon until baby is 6 weeks old. He believes my pressure might rise during the birth but it is not definite. It should be fine for baby (until baby kicks it but I have been having problems with the positioning of mine), My Surgeon believes all will be OK and I will have no problems. How long have you had the shunt? I've had mine for 15months (3rd one I have had), The biggest concern is my vision but the DR's are taking a day at a time.

I have spoke with my Obstetrician and her medical DR, who believe I can give birth Naturally (2ndlabour first with IH) but they will be keeping a close eye on me and my consultant will be delivering the baby. I will also be allowed to push for a certain amount of time (Drs want 30mins, I want 60mins)

[Fluffeh]

I've had this shunt for 18 months. It was last revised in April before that December. It's my 7th shunt since 2006 and my last hope really.
My ventricles are so flat my surgeon doesn't want to try again unless he really must. I had an LP shunt originally but that caused my brain tonsils to start slipping down my spine which is when they swapped it for the VP.
I've had IIH for 12 years and was registered blind in February from the optic nerve damage. It's the reason he wants me to have an ELCS so the last bit of useful vision I have is kept as safe as possible.
I stopped taking my medication before TTC thankfully I got the BFP two weeks later and I plan to restart it after the birth but its awful headache wise without it.
My neurologist isn't very supportive of my wish to not medicate until after the birth but my surgeon is. I worry that I'll lose my last bit of sight before he/she is born and never get to see their face :( I really hope my shunt keeps working until the end.
Have you found your symptoms are affected by your pregnancy? I find the headaches have increased but that could just be the lack of meds. I have the hospitals number if I feel I need a lumbar puncture but I'm trying to cope without one as long as possible as I find the pressure spikes pretty quickly after and I only get a day or so pain free.
I know it will be worth it in the end and that keeps me going :).

[Kay564]

Hi guys, i am kayal, i was born with dandy walker syndrome, and i have had my vp shunt since i was a baby, i am 22years old this year, i just wanted to know if it's okay for me to get pregnant in the future, as i am afraid that when my baby starts to grow, it might affect the tube or move it. And would love to know if i will be able to have a normal delivery, 😊and can i also know how to push the baby out when the time comes, or do i have to go down more when lying down to give birth, and how will I know I have a urge to start pushing.😐I am really worried.???

[SweetieL96]

I'm currently 7 weeks and I have hydrocephalus and a vp shunt so it's nice to find a thread of people that have experienced the same!

[Lmcp]

Hi, I appreciate this is a really old thread, but I wondered how everyone got on?

I am 41, 9 weeks pregnant and have vp shunt since 6 months for dandy walker. I have not had any neurological intervention or monitoring since I was about 10 years (I am pretty lucky) just a little anxious about pregnancy and labour. Still waiting for a neurology referral.

How did everyone get on? Caesarean or vaginal births? Any complications?

thanks

[LMM91x]

Omg I am so happy to have found this thread!
36weeks here and have had a VP shunt since 2017. No revisions / issues since, my neurosurgeon thinks my body may not even need it anymore but they wouldn't remove it due to potential compliacations.

I have discussed all the options - and elected for a planned c section early on. My consultant has just recently changed her tune and started pushing me towards an induction and to push for no longer than 30 mins....an induction at 39 weeks and a time limit?! Seems to me recipe for ending up in a bloody c section anyway!!

spoken to neurosurgeon they are more than happy with c section and spinal block so that's what i'll be opting for xxxxxx

[LMM91x]

Oops didn't realise this was an old thread either 🤣

[Lmcp]

Hi, you are obviously a lot closer than me, so would be interested in how you get on. I have read about restricted push time. As I am older I’ve also read that they like to induce earlier at about 38 weeks (not related to hydrocephalus) due to other potential issues. But I’ve also read that vaginal births are prefered as c section increases shunt infection risk depending on how the dr considers the shiny when doing the section, which I imagine is lower down lists of consideration when it becomes emergency.

I’ve also luckily not really considered my hydrocephalus for 30 years as I am not affected by it or had any drs appointments for check ups, so it’s a little scary to consider complications cropping up now.