Previous tailbone fracture - will it affect delivery?

[CobaltRose]

Hi everyone.

I'm six weeks pregnant with my first child, so obviously childbirth is a long way off, but I had a question regarding previous tailbone injury and childbirth.

I broke my tailbone in a sledding accident ten years ago (yes, I know. Dumb, but I was a kid ). It was very painful but has mostly healed. I still get some mild pain if I lean back too far when sitting, but aside from that it's fine.

I was just wondering, I understand that the pressure of childbirth can bruise or even fracture your tailbone. If you've previously fractured your tailbone, does that mean it's more likely to re-fracture during childbirth? Eeek!

Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice would be appreciated. Cheers!

I think about 10% of women suffer from coccyx pain following childbirth with varying recoveries ie for some the pain resorbs after a few weeks or months but not for others.

My baby got stuck and was eventually delivered after 2 failed ventouse and then forceps. I had no previous history of coccyx pain or damage but as soon as the first obstetrician came in to use the first ventouse she asked me if I had had a coccyx injury as a child. She was very insistent. I can only assume my tailbone has a strange shape or position because the result was excruciating pain for months. I was not able to drive for 15 months and now use a coccyx cushion at home and for driving.

Personally I think it would be wise to see an obstetrician and a physiotherapist about it. All women are entitled to see an obstetrician (even if they're classed as low risk). Ask your midwife to refer you so you can discuss the implications of your injury.
Don't be fobbed off by the midwife if she starts telling you you don't need to see anyone else. Some healthcare professionals/hospitals will do anything they can at the slightest suggestion you might prefer a c-section to stop you from even discussing it (sometimes even when you actually need one). I'm not saying that's what you need, I don't know. But knowing the pain you could end up with I think it is wiser to go and discuss it.

Weirdly giving birth FIXED my old tailbone break injury

Used to give me jip. Havent had a twinge there since giving birth.