arthritis in both hips and a natural birth

[usernamefeefifoe]

Hello,

Just wondering if anyone is/was in the same boat as me. I am 31 weeks pregnant with my first. I am midwife led, (contencous issue where I live as consultant led hospital 50 mins away, nearest midwife led unit 15 mins away).

Anyway 3 years ago I was diagnosed with severe arthritis in both hips, there was talk of replacements etc but not until pain worsens and I'm deemed a bit to young as it would mean a number of replacements in my life time.

Sorry I do seem to be rambling a bit. So my query I have is my range of movement is extremely limited. If I were to stand up and spread my legs my feet would only be 12 inches apart. How flexible do you need to be to give birth???

I too have arthritis but fortunately not in my hips so can't compare experiences directly. I have had 2 babies vaginally. I would definitely advise talking to both a rheumatologist and obstetrician and coming up with a plan. I'm surprised you haven't wanted to already! It's totally rubbish having the arthritis (mine is pretty much everywhere except hips). I wouldn't want to wait until d-day to find out if 12 inches was enough! Although it's amazing what your body can do when it needs to - your pelvis will shift to allow baby through but no one except a doctor can offer proper advice on this.

Hi,
Ive had arthritis in every joint for 18 years but my hips have always been the worst. I asked my rheumatologist before I even fell pregnant If I would be able to give birth naturally & she advised an elective c-section. When I fell pregnant with my wee boy a few months later the Consultant immediately recommended that I have an elected c-section due to my arthritis. When I tried to ask if there was any way I could have a natural birth she said that she would advise against it. I'm sorry I hope this doesn't frighten you or worry you further. Maybe you should contact your Rheumatologist to ask their advice. Good luck. I hope it all goes well for you. X

Thanks for your replies. I told the midwifes at my first app about my arthritis and they asked me what my range of movement was so I showed them. They said that it wouldn't be a problem and also my yoga teacher didn't seem to think it would be either. So maybe me being nieve agreed with them. It is now that I am coming close to the end that these fears are raising their heads again. I would love a natural birth but doubts have started to creep in again, it was my only main worry at the start. Thanks again for the advice. Xx

I think the problem is sometimes that people, even some in the medical profession, don't believe or realise that arthritis can occur at any age so don't understand the severity, pain and limitations of the condition. Your midwife and yoga teacher may be right, but it'd be worth discussing a plan b with a consultant. Eg you could go for a natural birth but the threshold for an emergency c section could be lower than normal. This would be recorded in your notes and you'd have it in your mind too. You need whoever is attending your birth to know the score! That way you can try for plan a but have a prepared and discussed plan b in place too, rather than a panic or fear. I really hope you get the birth you want! And as I said before, it's amazing what your body can do! All the very best x

It's not just birth but allowing access for any sorts of repair, even a small tear needing a few stitches - would that be enough for them to have access. Hopefully won't arise but it is very common. I agree you need a rheumatologist to advise you. Good luck.

Hello,
If you want to get a second opinion from a medical expert, you can use MyInstaCare.com - they offer online video consultations with both midwives and doctors. Pretty convenient if you live 50 miles from the closest medical center.

I have hip dysplasia and resulting arthritis in one hip and am hoping for a replacement as soon as reasonably practical (ie in the next few years, as I tend to breastfeed for a long time and am assuming the op isn't bfing compatible!).

I'm currently 33 weeks pg with my third and both my previous births have been normal vaginal births :) With DD, six years ago, I hadn't been diagnosed but was in agony in my pelvis/hip for the first trimester and ended up having weekly osteopathy to cope. Gave birth flat on my back with feet propped against DH and my mw (NOT a position I would recommend for various reasons, though hip was fine).

Gave birth to DS on all fours in birth pool 3.5 years ago and am planning/hoping to birth this one the same way, although my joint has deteriorated a lot in the past year in terms of pain/mobility. You don't actually need to get your legs very far apart, though if you can get into a semi kneel (the position traditionally adopted for proposing) then that's a good position for delivering as it opens your pelvis really wide. Water is good for helping you change position/move around as well if you've considered a water birth.

Hope some of that helps! :)