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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Mums/Mums-to-be with scoliosis

11 replies

MrsG2021 · 28/04/2022 16:38

Hi,

I’m not sure if I’ll get many responses to this but thought it was worth a try!

I’m currently pregnant with my first baby (18 weeks + 5) and I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine). I had spinal fusion surgery at 13 to correct the curve but my spine is still quite curved at the bottom as the rods only come about 3/4 of the way down my spine.

I was wondering if any other mums/mums-to-be on here have scoliosis, and whether you would be willing to share your experiences of pregnancy/birth with me? I feel absolutely fine at the moment in terms of back pain etc but am a little apprehensive about how it might affect the birth. I have already had an appointment with an anaesthetist who said it might be difficult (but still possible) to administer an epidural/spinal block which I thought might be the case. I’m not so worried about that from a pain-relief perspective but the thought of having to have a spinal block in an emergency c-section situation makes me feel anxious. The alternative would be general anaesthetic which obviously I would do if need be but I’d be very sad to miss my baby’s birth.

Sorry for rambling but I’d love to hear your scoliosis pregnancy/birth stories if you’re willing to share! X

OP posts:
Scoliosisfemale · 28/04/2022 16:51

I had one vaginal birth and one c section.

The vaginal birth needed forceps and ventouse because my 8lb baby struggled to get through my pelvis due to location of my lower spine. I refused to have vaginal birth next time. I had an epidural for pain relief.

second birth was an elective section with a spinal which was great. No problems.

A good anaesthetist shouldn’t have too much difficulty. Assuming your fusion was ok you should be fairly straight by now so the space for the needle to be inserted should be ok.

I would be most concerned about if you have a vaginal birth and the potential for the birth canal to be partially obstructed. Please see an obstetrician and an orthopaedic doctor if you can.

Alreadysalty · 28/04/2022 16:53

I have only minor scoliosis and also had the appointment with the anaesthetist who told me the same thing. I was prepared to just wait and see what happened and go with whatever was the safest way to deliver my baby. In the end, I never had an epidural or section so it wasn’t an issue. Just be prepared for that option too 😀

MrsGhastlyCrumb · 28/04/2022 17:00

I have scoliosis and have given birth twice. The first time I needed an emergency epidural and it did take them a couple of goes to get it in. If they are aware of this from the start and so are you, then hopefully you can factor this in as you go. I'm sure they would far rather not administer a GA too.

My sister also has scoliosis and had the fusion op and has had three children, with the last an emergency CS under a GA: however, that was more of a series of unfortunate events and I don't think the GA was given because they couldn't get an epidural in.

In general, all I can say is that exercising your core and pelvic floor are key- as for everyone, and be mindful when hauling babies around/carrying them on one hip etc. A good sling is really handy, especially if you can wear them on your back as they get bigger. Good luck!

Original poster
MrsG2021 · 28/04/2022 17:06

Scoliosisfemale · 28/04/2022 16:51

I had one vaginal birth and one c section.

The vaginal birth needed forceps and ventouse because my 8lb baby struggled to get through my pelvis due to location of my lower spine. I refused to have vaginal birth next time. I had an epidural for pain relief.

second birth was an elective section with a spinal which was great. No problems.

A good anaesthetist shouldn’t have too much difficulty. Assuming your fusion was ok you should be fairly straight by now so the space for the needle to be inserted should be ok.

I would be most concerned about if you have a vaginal birth and the potential for the birth canal to be partially obstructed. Please see an obstetrician and an orthopaedic doctor if you can.

Thank you for sharing this, I really appreciate it. Have you had surgery on your spine?

I’m fairly straight now but my fusion stops short of where they would do an epidural/spinal so I’m still a bit curved down there (not sure how much as I last had an x ray at 16 which was 11 years ago so things may have changed since then). I have an appointment with a consultant coming up so I will ask about possible issues with a vaginal birth then. Thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsG2021 · 28/04/2022 17:07

Alreadysalty · 28/04/2022 16:53

I have only minor scoliosis and also had the appointment with the anaesthetist who told me the same thing. I was prepared to just wait and see what happened and go with whatever was the safest way to deliver my baby. In the end, I never had an epidural or section so it wasn’t an issue. Just be prepared for that option too 😀

Glad to hear that you had a positive experience! Thank you for sharing :)

OP posts:
Deadringer · 28/04/2022 17:09

I have moderate scoliosis, a double curvature actually but didn't receive any treatment because where i live at the time they didn't treat it unless it was severe. I have had 3 vaginal births with no issues, I had an epidural on the last one and mentioned my scoliosis, it wasn't a problem.

Original poster
MrsG2021 · 28/04/2022 17:09

MrsGhastlyCrumb · 28/04/2022 17:00

I have scoliosis and have given birth twice. The first time I needed an emergency epidural and it did take them a couple of goes to get it in. If they are aware of this from the start and so are you, then hopefully you can factor this in as you go. I'm sure they would far rather not administer a GA too.

My sister also has scoliosis and had the fusion op and has had three children, with the last an emergency CS under a GA: however, that was more of a series of unfortunate events and I don't think the GA was given because they couldn't get an epidural in.

In general, all I can say is that exercising your core and pelvic floor are key- as for everyone, and be mindful when hauling babies around/carrying them on one hip etc. A good sling is really handy, especially if you can wear them on your back as they get bigger. Good luck!

That’s really good advice - thank you!

OP posts:
Original poster
MrsG2021 · 28/04/2022 17:11

@Deadringer Thank you for sharing. I’m hoping for a vaginal birth so it’s great to hear that you were able to do this 3 times and have an epidural when you needed one.

OP posts:
GiltEdges · 28/04/2022 17:17

I have mild scoliosis and had both an epidural and later an EMCS during labour with no issues. I did however suffer from horrific back pain in my third trimester. Ended up starting maternity leave at 29 weeks I was in so much pain, although this was pre covid and working in an office FT. Think I'd have managed much better now WFH.

Original poster
MrsG2021 · 28/04/2022 17:53

@GiltEdges Sorry to hear that you were in so much pain. I’m a primary school teacher so I don’t spend that much time sitting at a desk but I definitely need to be more mindful about sitting on the teeny weeny chairs that we have in Reception!

Thank you for sharing your experience with me.

OP posts:
Scoliosisfemale · 28/04/2022 18:41

MrsG2021 · 28/04/2022 17:06

Thank you for sharing this, I really appreciate it. Have you had surgery on your spine?

I’m fairly straight now but my fusion stops short of where they would do an epidural/spinal so I’m still a bit curved down there (not sure how much as I last had an x ray at 16 which was 11 years ago so things may have changed since then). I have an appointment with a consultant coming up so I will ask about possible issues with a vaginal birth then. Thank you!

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I didn’t have surgery but wore a Boston brace. At it’s worst the curvature was less than one degree off the threshold for surgery.

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