Pregnant with Scoliosis!

bambiize88

Hi

I am just wondering how many women out there have scoliosis and are pregnant or have been pregnant. this is my first pregnancy and i was told it wouldnt effect anything but i would just like someone to connect with and talk about the differences with. maybe get some tips on what helped you be more comfortable.

 

bellafirenze

I do, and it really hasn't been a huge issue yet during the day. I've been getting some shooting pain down my low back/butt cheek a few times a week, but I know plenty of women without scoliosis experience the same thing during pregnancy. I find that a support belt helps take some of the pressure off my spine.

I have the most issue at night, and my biggest helpers are lots and lots of pillows. I have two body pillows so that when I sleep on my side one is behind me along my spine, supporting it if I roll back a bit, and the other is in front and wrapped down between my knees/thighs. I also have a small boppy wedge pillow that goes under my belly/hips. Even with all this I still have to switch sides every hour or my back becomes super stiff and sore. If I don't roll enough, or don't use the pillows I'm hunched over and can barely walk when I first get out of bed. 

LMH1209

I do. I never wore a brace or had surgery, but I have about a thirty degree curve. I have had some back pain with both of my pregnancies, but it's not really directly related to scoliosis.

The biggest scoliosis-related issue for me is worrying about the skills of the anesthesiologist if I get an epidural (or a spinal if I end up doing a repeat c-section). I got lucky when I had DS, and the anesthesiologist who was on duty at the hospital happened to have a lot of experience putting epidurals in people with scoliosis. He did a great job, but it's something I worry about for next time. This post is actually reminding me that I should mention this issue to my new OB and ask whether it would be helpful to track down a copy of my latest back x-ray. (I got a new one done about five months after DS was born because I was thinking it might be helpful for the next baby.)

Conniebird

bellafirenze:

I do, and it really hasn't been a huge issue yet during the day. I've been getting some shooting pain down my low back/butt cheek a few times a week, but I know plenty of women without scoliosis experience the same thing during pregnancy. I find that a support belt helps take some of the pressure off my spine.

I have the most issue at night, and my biggest helpers are lots and lots of pillows. I have two body pillows so that when I sleep on my side one is behind me along my spine, supporting it if I roll back a bit, and the other is in front and wrapped down between my knees/thighs. I also have a small boppy wedge pillow that goes under my belly/hips. Even with all this I still have to switch sides every hour or my back becomes super stiff and sore. If I don't roll enough, or don't use the pillows I'm hunched over and can barely walk when I first get out of bed. 

 

Pretty much all of this. I have no idea what kind of curve I have and it's been a while since my last x-ray. However my neck did grow in the wrong way and the rest of my spine kind of curved a bit to compensate. (It's been a while since this was explained to me) 

I just remember with DS having bad back labor and feeling him on my sciatic a lot during my 3rd tri (which can happen to anyone so I dont know if it's related). The best thing I've found is to lightly tone my stomach muscles (with belly dance mainly) I find when my muscles are being worked out I have a lot less pain.

dyequeen

Doing pilates really helps with most of my discomfort.  Though belly dancing would probably help too - I'll have to give it a try!

Blondie3328

I was diagnosed with Scoliosis in high school but it has never affected me. I don't remember what my curve is but I think it is minimal. I never even think about it so I'm actually glad that you posted so that I can bring it up at my next Dr's appointment so that my Dr is aware (especially if I get an epidural).

brookie9

I have a 40 degree S curve. So far no complications. I do have the lower back buttcheek pain as well mostly on my left side. I try to do exercises to keep my back/core strong (pilates/bellydancing) and also focus really hard to have good posture. I have had a spinal in the past for foot surgeries so I'm not worried about an epidural (although I am preparing myself for an epidural-free birth). My OBGYN and chiropractor both agree that scoliosis/pregnancy problems just depend on the person. Some have more pain/problems. Some do not. A few actually feel better being pregnant believe it or not. I have been to the chiropractor less since becoming pregnant than I did before! Good luck to you all!