High Risk Pregnancy or Not?

[I_love_my_rep]

We are Prego with our first baby! Super excited! But I was wondering how my pregnancy will end up. Here is my dilemma...

I found out that I have scoliosis about 7 years ago. It was so bad that I had to have Herrington rods attached to my spine with 21 screws and a fusion from the bone in my hip in February 2001. The 2 titanium rods go from the bottom of my neck to the end of my spine before the pelvis. I have a pretty big scar from the bottom of my neck down to my butt crack :-) Anywayz! As you may suspect I have a difficult time bending over to tie my shoes or pick something up off the floor without squatting because my back will not bend at all. I sit up with perfect posture. And I already have a (what I call) normal constant back soreness! I wanna know what everyone thinks... Do you think I will have a hard time carrying the baby in my belly since my back will not bend? or do you think I will be put on bed rest at a certain point? Do you think I will be able to give birth normally? Will I be able to have an epidural? Will this be a High risk pregnancy?

[peekawho]

You will probably have extra back pain.  Some people with rods can have epidurals, some can't.  Your anesthesiologist will have to decide if its appropriate or not.

You would not automatically be considered high risk.  Bedrest only if you have problems that would make it necessary.

[court2629]

I am glad I could help a little bit but yes she did amazing and is talking about having another baby.  So it can be done.  Good luck at the doctors.  Take care!!!

[I_love_my_rep]

I guess I should have posted that I do have a Doctors appointment on the 28th of this month. I told her about my situation and she said that we will do an ultrasound and discuss it. But It is still two weeks away and I am too excited to wait so i just wanted some quick info if anyone knew anything!

Court2629- I am glad your friend was able to do it! boosts my confidence level and lowers my worry level! Thank you!

[court2629]

One of my best friends had a similar surgery to yours she has a rod in her back and a scar from her neck to her tail bone.  She has a daughter who is going to be two.  She carried a healthy baby and did not have any complications.  She did have a c-section but she didn't complain too much about any aches that I know of but every one is different.  So if you are still having concerns I would talk to your doctor they can ease your mind a bit.

Congrats on the baby!!

[KM604]

Honestly, I know you have tons of questions but only your doctor can really answer those.  You have a very unique situation and it's hard to say.  If you already have back problems, it seems like the chances of you getting put on bed rest are high.  I would do some research (maybe google) on people with scoliosis and pregnancies.  Check on medhelp to see if they have a scoliosis forum.  I would definitely schedule time to speak with your doctor about this and they can guide you in the right direction.  Good luck and congrats!