Childbirth & herniated disc

[Boymumtobe09]

Hi ladies - keen to hear experiences of anyone whose given birth while recovering from a herniated disc.

i had quite a bad protrusion on my L5 S1 disc (so lower back) earlier this year - generally the pain has improved but it’s exacerbated by coughing, sneezing and going to the toilet. I’ve heard pushing is basically like going to the loo so I’m really worried that it’s going to be either really painful or I could do some damage to my back.

Has anyone been in this situation and can let me know how they found it or if you asked for a C-Section?

No personal experience, but it's worth bearing in mind that the profound relaxation you get with both spinal and general anaesthetic for a c-section can also irritate a vulnerable back too.

I would ask about a water birth because that will take all the pressure off your back and allow you to move freely without strain.

Bear in mind where they place the spinal block for a c section is in that area, and being prone on your back could cause more issues for you. I have horrendous back pain 8 years after giving birth with an epidural. So I’d probably try and avoid if you can. But that’s just my experience in not medically trained.

I have very similar. I had a chat with the anaesthetist at an antenatal appt who advised me that should I need an epidural it would need to be placed by a consultant. The Obstetricians were also unsure what effect prolonged pushing could have in my back.
I was offered (and accepted) an elective Caesarian on the grounds on non emergency medical need.

Thank you for all the responses so far - definitely food for thought.

@ChocHotolate hope you’ve recovered now 💐how did you go about getting the meeting with the anathetist / the decision being made re a C-Section? I mentioned my herniated disc to my midwife at my 1st appt but otherwise nothing has been said about it. I’m 25 weeks now so not sure if these conversations will happen later down the line or if I need to start mentioning it to her myself. Just really don’t want to end up in the same level of pain I had earlier this year once the baby is here as it was so debilitating

I was already known to the pain team at the hospital so the pain team referred me to the obstetric anaesthetists (I think, it was 12yrs ago).
The Caesarian was definitely the best option for me, it was a calm environment and I recovered well with no complications

@Boymumtobe09 Hey! I’m in the same position as you were… how did things go? I’d be so grateful to hear your experiences and any advice you might have now that you’ve gone through it? I’m scared!! Due in December and have no idea whether to opt for a planned c section or attempt a vbac (had an emergency c section previously after failed induction).

@amoobaa heya I opted for an c section in the end. It was considered as maternal request but I didn’t have any opposition from the consultant. 100% feel like it was the right decision, I’m 4 weeks PP and was up about about really quickly and doing lots of walking now. So far I haven’t had any back pain (I saw an osteo the whole way through my pregnancy). Good luck

@Boymumtobe09 Thanks so much for your reply… I’m definitely leaning towards a c section! I just wish I knew whether the pain arising from the bulging discs will be triggered and made unbearable by contractions (if someone could tell me this then I know I’d opt for c section as I cannot tolerate the pain) but no doctors I’ve spoken to so far actually know.
thank you again for replying and I’m so glad your delivery worked out well and you’re not in so much pain now. Congratulations 😁