Back/heart problems and labour...

[mama2mooandbabymoo]

My sister in law is pregnant at the moment and sees a consultant because of heart and back problems.

She has an extra bone in her back and a slightly curved spine. The dr is worried about getting an epidural in if it was needed.

Are they more likely to do a c section under GA if its needed? They havent really gone through her options yet but she is terrified about having a GA for the birth.

She also has a slight heart murmer and has checks every few years.

Any advice from anyone?

She should see an anaesthetist.

I was referred to one as I also have back issues and it was queried whether it would be a lot harder to get an epidural in. The anaesthetist examined me and reckoned I was fine - and as I understand it, spinals are a lot easier to do than epidurals as the catheter isn't left in place.

The anaesthetist also said that spinals usually work so fast they'd be able to try it (assuming there would be time to try one anyway) and see if it worked (I have other health issues that mean we're not sure it'll work). And this would be preferable than going straight to GA.

At the end of the day though, GA may be used for any EMCS if needed.

Is your SIL having an ELCS? If not, I'd encourage her to concentrate on birth options that might help her avoid epidural and EMCS scenarios, e.g. water birth if possible.

But seeing an anaesthetist is very helpful as they'd be the ones to do the epidural/spinal/GA anyway.

Thanks for that. I will tell her to ask her consultant to sort out an appointment for her.

She hasnt been offered an elective yet, I think they are going to test her heart again to see how serious it is.

Thanks again