Classic Ehlers Danlos (Type 1) and VBAC

[MrsSkinnyLegs]

I had my daughter by EMCS nearly 5 years ago and am under consultant care with this pregnancy. My consultant has suggested that I can consider VBAC which I am keen on as I would like to avoid surgery if possible.

I have Ehlers Danlos Type 1 which means that the collagen in my skin is formed incorrectly, leaving my skin stretchy and prone to tearing. I heal well and notwithstanding wobbly knees and an occasionally dislocating ankle, I swim, do yoga and generally fit and well. With my pregnancies, I am lucky to have so far avoided some of the more common symptoms associated with hypermobility/ EDS such as SPD and hip laxity but am mindful of where my body is and what it is trying to do with itself.

If you have EDS Type 1 or a similar connective tissue disorder, I'd be very grateful to hear your experiences about VB or VBAC:

• what were your choices for birth and how did you arrive at the decision you made?
• what ante-natal classes and post-natal care helped you out?
• if you made a birth plan, what would you reconsider for future pregnancies and what worked brilliantly for you?

Thank you so much : )

Hi,

This is a good thread that you might find helpful:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/childbirth/1388264-Hypermobile-Given-birth-Please-tell-me-about-your-experience

I've posted on there about my own experience (previously undiagnosed HMS and serious and multiple birth injuries sustained during VB).

I think the only thing I'd add is that if you are considering VBAC, please make sure that your consultant is an expert in pregnancy and birth for women with your condition. The risks of birth injuries are higher for women with HMS and your consultant needs to take these seriously. If you are in London I can recommend my consultant who does obstetrics as well as pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. If you are not in London, he still advises consultants across the UK about the appropriate management of HMS women during pregnancy and childbirth. Please PM me if you want his details.

Good luck!

Thanks for your post - and I had read the thread that you mentioned with great interest, prior to posting on this forum. I'm so sorry to hear that you had an awful time and hope your further surgery has meant an improvement in your health and outlook for the future.

It seems that Ehlers Danlos Type III was more prevalent in the thread - or at least more commonly diagnosed amongst those who posted - and whereas there are crossovers between the types, I'm really keen to understand the impact of a VB on someone who has Type 1.

Are you under a rheumatologist or a consultant who specialises in the syndrome? The midwife who looked after me during my first pregnancy also has EDS Type III and she has had a long history of care with a Professor at UCH.

It would great to speak to you and your obstetrician a bit more - thank you for the offer - and if you're interested, I'd be happy to pass on the details of my midwife and the Prof. I'll PM you as soon as I work out how!

Have sent you a PM. If you log in with your user name, at the top of the page, it says "in box" and there'll be a red or yellow blob indicating that you have a message. Click on 'inbox' and it'll take you to the message! X