Birthing with a herniated disc L5/S1 - has anyone done it?

[FoofFighter]

Umm, just that really?!

Has anyone laboured and given birth with a herniated disc (mine's L5 S1) and how did it go? Did you have a straight forward birth and labour? Did you have interventions? Did you do yourself any more damage? Did you have a section? How was your recovery?

Hi, I have two herniated discs since the birth of my first DS, not sure the exact whereabouts as can't find my hospital scans! I have periods where it's very painful and periods where it eases. I gave birth to my second DS on Friday and had previously had quite a bad week with the pain but by some miracle it had eased a little on the day I went into labour.
Anyhow. Waters went at 9pm, I gave birth in the pool with gas and air at 3.30am and he was 9lb 7oz! To be honest I didn't notice anything apart from the pain of labour but I think the pool really helped. I was glad in a way i could feel everything (had epidural with first) as it's easier to tell if you are doing yourself more damage. So far recovery has been ok and not struggling too much, but also I don't have the massive bump to contend with any more! No idea if any of this info will help you, I have a rambling post pregnancy brain!
Good luck! When are you due? Have the midwives given you any advice?

I did, exactly the same disc. No problems in labour, had an emergency lscs for reasons not relating to my back. Had an epidural no problem. Good recovery.

Yes I'd already said to MW if I go for a vaginal birth I don't want anything aside from entonox as I need to be able to feel if I am doing damage.

Good to hear from you both, congratulations osaraf did you have any trouble with persuading them to let you try for a vaginal birth? My neurosurgeon said that it would mean more likely to be section and possibly even under GA if they couldn't get the epidural in properly due to things being out of place/squished. I don't know if this means I will have a battle on my hands

Thanks!
They didn't seem too concerned to be honest, but I suspect it's because I didn't have my treatment for the discs (6 days hospitalisation, physio etc) in the UK, as I only transferred over from France when I was 4 months pregnant, so they didn't have much about it in their notes apart from me telling them. By the time I was examined it was too late for an epidural anyway (sob!). It all seems a lot more relaxed here!
Really hope you get the birth you want!

Thank you :) one more question, did the pregnancy make the pain/any sciatica a lot worse?

I have no idea how or why but my sciatic pain has eased immensely. I was convinced that I would have back problems throughout as I had a bulging disc that meant I lost feeling in my right foot for 3 months.

I really thought that I would have to have a elcs but I'm now 38 +3 and it all seems fine.....touch wood and I am still on course for a vb :)

When in labour you prob will not notice the sciatica! Expect it to improve significantly after birth, as your baby weight is lost. As you get more pregnant the pain may worsen temporarily- you can anticipate this and seek advice from a physio about suitable (mild) exercises (more stretches really) to help strengthen back muscles before you get too big. Simple things like stretches, physio and heat often help.

The pain wasn't significantly worse in pregnancy but I was very careful (as careful as you can be with a boisterous toddler!). I feel better now I'm not pregnant though!

I've been suffering with it for a year now and awaiting surgery actually was in for surgery when I found out about this little sprout!!

Have gone from taking diazepam, zopiclone, high strength ibuprofen and co-codamol 60/1000 to nothing instantly. And do you know what, my back and leg have been really really good, better than in months!

Mw says it could be the hormone Relaxin loosening things up and giving them a bit more room so to be very careful and no sudden movements, no lifting, bedning twisting etc.

Bobblesmama, oh that's fine, wishing you a great labour :)

Palegirl, everyione in my area gets a physio appointment if they want it but i think will ring my old physio and ask if I can go in earlier than usual.

Great to hear from others in this position, kind of thought I was alone.

Herniated Disc Pain Relief and Treatments Guide.

Herniated discs are a major cause of disability in people under 45.
I am one of those people.
For the past 3 years I suffer L5S1 disc hernia, the most common type of hernia.
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