I had an emergency back operation 7 years ago for a herniated disc which was compressing my spinal cord and causing numbness below waist level. I’m now expecting my first child 23wks at age 41 and terrified concerned that the strain of labour may cause this to reoccur. My consultant doesn’t seem at all concerned that it will while the anaesthetist has indicated that my history means that if I have an epidural or spinal block I will be at increased risk of back problems after the birth, that is if they work at all! Seems to be alot of unknowns and I know that is the nature of childbirth, that it cannot be predicted what will happen. Just wondered if anyone else has been in this situation and how they dealt with it? Thanks 