Birth after hip surgery...

[Cyclebump]

I was born with my right hip joint undeveloped, I had two years of surgery and waist to ankle plaster to correct it, ending when I was about three.

I am able to walk etc but have osteoarthritis and a lot of hip pain.

After checking my x-rays of my pelvis my consultant has decided I can give vaginal delivery a go. I'm pleased but am thinking of positions.

I can't really do it on my back as I can't hold my legs up or open in that position for long.

Any position ideas?

I'm thinking maybe on my knees leaning over the back of the bed but any ideas are welcome.

Hi

How far along are you ? I'm 22 weeks at the moment so due in July.

Interesting to hear your consultant has given you the OK. I also have hip problems - I have dysplasia with one replaced hip after it degenerated badly last year and one dodgy one with a very shallow socket. My consultant (Ortho) is also of the opinion that a normal birth should be achievable as is the obs consultant I met with yesterday. I'm pleased but also concerned about doing damage to either hip through having to be in awkward positions during labour.

I have the same issue re lying on my back with legs in the air or open on the unoperated side (how dignified !) I also can't crouch for too long - or rather shouldn't given the minimal risk of dislocating the replacement joint,and find it hard to kneel for long - I wondered about the kneeling on the bed option too maybe with pillows under my knees.

Another potential option suggested to me was lying on my side to actually give birth but keeping as mobile as possible up until that point ?

I also don't really want an epidural as kind of want to be able to 'feel' the hips are OK if that makes sense..

A water birth might be good for both of you. Allows more mobility and takes pressure of gravity off your hips?
S

RunDMC sounds like you have all the same concerns as me! I'm 37+3 so birth is fairly close. My consultant is worried about stirrups in the, hopefully, unlikely event of instrumental intervention. I too don't really want an epidural as I want to feel if my hips are ok.

Selina, that's what I was thinking. There's a pool available at my hospital and I was thinking of factoring it into my plan. TBH, DP isn't keen (he's worried about the birth) but I too was thinking of the fact it would help take some of the weight and mean I could move position more easily if I needed to. My consultant okayed me using it.

Yep, it's definitely going on the birth plan I reckon!

thanks Selina - yes I forgot to ask about a water birth but will do at my next appointment.

Cyclebump wow it is getting close. I'd love to know how it goes for you and how your hips hold up so keep us posted or feel free to pm me. Our hips do sound similar - I had the frog leg plaster from waist to ankle too at 18 months after a femoral osteotomy. My left hip lasted til my 30's and then gave up. Having the THR was the best thing I've ever done.

How has your hip been throughout your pregnancy ? There's also a really good hip forum I'd recommend if you get to the point of needing to do something about the hip.

Good luck !

I had an osteotomy too! I was in fringe plaster for two years from about the same age because of late diagnosis. Spooky

I was lucky in that my left hip was egg shaped so doesn't cause me too much bother.

The right (bad) one has held up remarkably well but as my weight has increased and shifted I've had bad back pain and had extra physio. I have mild scoliosis because of my limping over the years but I'm ok.

If I'm of sound mind post baby I'll let you know how it goes.

Good luck x x

Aaargh, meant frog plaster!

one quick thought is you should make sure they really check the baby properly for clunking hips (aka developmental dysplasia of the hips to give it its proper name) and insist on an ultrasound if you're not happy or think there are any leg length differences. Not proven that it's genetic (and apparently more likely if baby is first born, female and breech) but can be more easily fixed at 0-3 months if caught rather than left until toddling etc.

Will be keeping my fingers crossed for you !

He's already booked in to be scanned in his first week and I'll be making damn sure they do it!

Mine was missed because there was niching there to click. Because he's a boy the odds are lower but I'd rather it was caught early if it happens.

same here - mine wasn't picked up til I was trying to walk and would stand and swing my left leg rather than walk on it because the hip was out the socket..

You're right to be cautious and fingers crossed for him to have perfect hips.