Hypermobile? Given birth? Please tell me about your experience!

[oikopolis]

I'm pg and have hypermobility syndrome (www.hypermobility.org/), and I'm finding it so hard to locate information about how my body will cope with birth!

I'm aware of, and not fussed about, joint pain becoming an issue as I get heavier. That's fine, it will be hard for a bit but it will be over eventually, and I have a physio who can work magic with SPD rehab and so on.

What I AM fussed about is the possibility of birth injuries from a labour that progresses too quickly, or that's obstructed by my pelvic floor. I am also concerned about prolapse and so on, since my tissues are so stretchy and easily damaged. Dr. Google hasn't yet come up with much.

My GP has already assured me that I can have an ELCS, there will be no argument if that's what I want. I've previously been subject to obstetric trauma so he is keen to 'protect' me from any experience that I'm not comfortable with.

But it's not that I'm not comfortable with the idea of VB I'm not afraid of pain or labour or anything like that I'm just very keen to make a smart choice for my body that will minimize long-term risk! I don't care if the recovery's a bit much, as long as I CAN recover iyswim. I would rather have a hairy CS recovery than permanent incontinence/rectocele/hernias/etc.

Anybody got some insight for me?

Is a CS a better option for someone with HMS?
Is a natural birth worth trying for, or would I be taking a significant risk?

I will ask my obstetrician when I am referred at 20 weeks, but I would like to be armed with some information since many drs have no idea about HMS and what it entails. So I need to be able to tell whether the OB is clueless, so I can ask for another opinion.

Hi I gave birth as an older mum with hyper mobility syndrome. I had a syntocinon augmented labour and a precipitate delivery . Second stage was only 3 contractions . Extensive cervix and vaginal tears occured ( full length of vagina.)I had large post natal prolapse and required major surgery . I was older but don't think labour should have been accelerated .
So if you are older consider a Caesarian I say . If you are younger and decide to have a vaginal delivery. Having strong pelvic floor is helpful. The problem may be that the cervix decends with the stretchy ligaments and pushing may commence when the head is visible but the cervix is not fully open. Birth attendants need to check that full dilatation of the cervix has occurred prior to pushing even if they can see the head. . Does that help?.

Just reading through this as im considering a vbac. Had a c-section after a very tricky pregnancy 2 years ago and just trying to find out as much info as possible and there is just not alot.
My consulatant said that 80% of vbacs are successful but completely glossed over my EDS which REALLY fills me with dread and makes me think she knows either not much about the condition and is under prepared or is just refusing to accept the diagnosis..? Just want to have the best possible outcome for baby and I.
Took a week to recover fully from first (elective) c section so just wondering if its even worth trying a vbac or just going straight for the c section....?

@Clarklette87 you'll probably want to start your own thread as this one is nine years old and people won't realise, so they'll miss your response and reply directly to the OP, who presumably doesn't need the info any more