Childbirth after back surgery

[Nichola2310]

Hi, has anyone had a baby after back surgery, and if so can you tell me your experience?

I had part of a disc removed in my back 3.5 years ago at L5/S1 so the very bottom of my spine, but made a great recovery. However I have been crippled with sciatica for my entire pregnancy and have been pretty much housebound since 16 weeks, I’m 31weeks now.

I had an appointment with my consultant today and asked questions about my delivery, does she think I’ll need a section, would the level of pain I’m in now be a reason to induce etc.

To clarify I’m not thinking that either of these are the “easy” option, but I wanted to get her opinion on what the best option would be for me. My biggest concern is that I’ll do long lasting damage to my back during labour. As it stands right now there’s no way I would be fit to look after a newborn. I have to spend all my time lying down.

The consultants view was I don’t need a section, but can elect for one, and that they wouldn’t induce me either. However she openly admits to not being a back specialist and after today, I really feel she has no idea of the pain I’m in. While in the appointment I was shaking and sweating due to pain.

Sorry for the essay but I can’t be the only person in this situation, and am hoping to hear others experiences.

Can you contact your spinal consultant to discuss childbirth after surgery? Can you afford to see a chiropractor or physio privately, they may be able to ease the sciatica. Perhaps your midwife could refer you for physio?

Have you tried to release the sciatic nerve with a tennis ball or put ice on it? These things might give you some relief before labour.

I have no clue about back things but a section sounds a wise idea to me. I can't imagine trying to labour with a really painful back on top of everything else! I loved my c-section (baby was breech).

I have tried everything to ease the sciatica but not a single thing has given me any relief. So far cocodamol is the only thing that has helped!

I had scoliosis surgery at 23 it was massive surgery in three stages, I fell pregnant and had vaginal delivery at the age of 30, the surgery did put me in the high risk pregnancy category but no issues the only thing I found is that epidurals do not work Lilley due to the way my spine is now full of metal work but it was ok 👌

Oh and I asked re a section due to the surgery but was advised it wasn't an indication, I did have an anesthetist review me in pregnancy because of my back but again happy to go for vaginal delivery so you could ask for anesthetic review x

Thank you, that’s helpful. I have an anaesthetic review in 4 weeks to discuss whether I’d be suitable for an epidural. I had an epidural for sciatica before and got zero pain relief so I’m nervous that it wouldn’t work this time round either.

I had a muscular injury that I definitely felt during labour. Given that you're already bed bound I would say you'll need at least an epidural if not a section as my pain all focussed in my back rather than my front. I struggled to push as a result. I hope you manage to get comfortable in these last few weeks.