Advice- pregnant, back issues

[koolkatxx]

Hi everyone,

I’m mid 20's and just found out I’m pregnant this morning after trying for 3 years and a miscarriage!!!!! I am so happy but obviously also nervous - I have a history of severe back problems, including 3 bulging discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. I’m really worried about how pregnancy and delivery will affect my back, especially since I’ve had chronic pain and mobility issues for years. I have had a discectomy which helped for 3 years and I have also had a steroid injection which made my back worse.

I know this is premature but I have really bad anxiety and I am also type A to my core, so I’m trying to figure out what delivery option might be safest for my spine:

• Natural vaginal birth: I know pushing can put huge strain on the lumbar spine, discs, and nerves. I’m worried it could make my pain much worse or even leave me debilitated for months.

• Planned C-section: I’ve read that with a spinal or epidural, the back strain is avoided, but I’m nervous about having an epidural/spinal with my degenerative discs. I also wonder if general anaesthesia would be possible for my back, or if that carries other risks. (I live in the UK btw)

I’d love to hear from anyone with similar spinal issues who had a C-section or natural birth, advice on what to discuss with obstetricians or anaesthetists or tips for managing back pain during pregnancy and recovery!!

I’m really anxious. Any experiences or advice would be so appreciated.

Thanks in advance xx

Hi @koolkatxx congratulations!! Your midwife can refer you to the relevant experts can’t they? I have minor back issues and I got referred during Pg to get help and also answer these kinds of questions, you need expert advice. Physio massively helped me but my issues aren’t so serious.

id phone the GP and get your MW appt booked in then try and relax till then.

Hi! Thanks so much for your advice and support! That’s really helpful to hear. I’m actually under the fertility team and emailed them as soon as I found out I’m pregnant, as they asked me to, and I’ve also self-referred via the NHS website. I’m a bit unsure whether I still need to call my GP or book an appointment!

Ahah - well, I expect they’ll be in touch soon then and you can ask them what the best course of action is, very exciting times!

Thanks! I’m really excited so fingers crossed they get back to me soon. I really appreciate your encouragement 😊

It took us two years to get pg with dc1, I’ve got secondhand excitement for you - there will be a plan, you will get all of these questions answered!

I have 6 pregnancy tests sitting in front of me- just had to be sure that the first 5 weren't somehow false hahaha!!! Thanks again x

Congratulations!