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Pregnancy and spondylolisthesis

Does anybody with spondylolisthesis (spine slippage L5/S1) in stage 2-3 has experience with pregnancy ?
My husband and I would like to have a baby.
After consulting with doctors (Neurologist, Neurosurgeon, Orthopedic and Orthopedic surgeon) we received very different opinions on this topic. From pregnancy would be no problem to strongly recommend not to get pregnant.
We are very confused and looking for help to make decision.
Please help
Lienka


8 Responses
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Avatar universal
Actually, there is some thought that there may be a genetic predisposition for having "thinner/weaker bone" in the pars interarticularis area that leads ultimately to being fractured(pars defects) under repeated stress in adolescence.  This is spondylolysis and is a precursor to isthmic spondylolisthesis (if it is a bilateral pars defect).  My father has the same condition.  Because it is caused by extreme stress on the weak bony area, mine was figure skating, I will probably be careful with what type of high-impact sports my child will participate in.
I've been dealing with this for 17 yrs and am now 31 with one child.  My pain became significantly worse and I have far more instability since I had my child.  I am now in the process of deciding on surgery and I will NOT have another child until after surgery.  
Hope this helps.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Dr B,
Thank you for your response.
I am very happy to hear that someone with slippage actually feels better during pregnancy :)
I am worried about slippage progressing, nerve damage, bladder function...etc.
I know there are women with spondylolisthesis who went through pregnancy with just little more pain. (mostly with spondylolisthesis grade 1)
Do you know anyone who went through pregnancy with spondylolisthesis grade 3 ? Or maybe it is better to get pregnant after spine surgery ? (surgery that stabilize this area) And if, than how long after spine surgery can we plan baby ?
And why do doctors have such a different opinions ?
Is there anyone who can answer my questions based on experience ?
Thank you very much
Lienka
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
A related discussion, spondylolisthesis was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
A related discussion, My experience was started.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Same problem in my case,  I have been diagnosed for a grade 2 spondylolisthesis. Doctors are advising me to go for surgery, and go for pregnancy 1 month after surgery.Some doctors say go for preganncy and you can have surgery after the same.

Totally confused, trying to take some expert opinions
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you for your response and I am happy that you have 4 children.
That is great.
I would never question myself if to have children. I do want to have children and the only question was if to have them before surgery or after surgery.
If pregnancy would progress the slippage.
I don't think it would affect the child in any way.
I do not believe that you can pass this on your children, that would be like saying you can pass broken leg on your children. Where did you hear that from ???

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
i was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis in 1996......due to some physicians with less than accurate communication skills i had no idea of what i was dealing with, recently i found a new and so far wonderful neurosurgeon......i am still undergoing more accurate testing to determine where I stand with this. Basically I don't yet know what grade or stage i am in with it. But I have had 4 children, and have been told that it is a miracle that I am still walking afterwards. I wouldn't trade or give up anyone of them, but I have recently learned that I very likely passed it onto atleast one of them. I WOULD NOT wish this problem on my worst enemy, let alone want to give one of my children this nightmare. I have had back pain since I was 11 years old. Since 1996 it has been almost unbearable pain. My back pain never got better during pregnancy in fact, it was always worse. Before you make your decision take this advice, and ask alot of questions.
This is my own personal opinion of my situation: Had I known that I had this condition, and how severe the pain would getand that there were even the slightest chance of passing it onto one of them I never would have had any children.
Again I do not as of yet know where I stand in reference to the grade or anything in this mess.........but please ask any and all questions that come to you. Let no stones un turned. And God Bless you whatever you decide.
Helpful - 0
603463 tn?1220626855
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hi!

Almost everybody has back problems when they are pregnant, so if you are going to take the plunge, you are very likely to have some trouble too.

Interestingly enough, I have a slipped disc/vertabra at the very same level, and my back always feels BETTER when I am pregnant.  Afterwards with the carseats is the harder part for me!

If you want children, I would not let your back problem stand in your way--there are lots of things available--physical therapy, TENS units, massage, mild pain relievers, accupunture, tummy binders, etc the list goes on--to help with any problems that might come up.  And when its all said and done I'll bet you'll want another child!

Good luck!

Dr B
Helpful - 0

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