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3rd Trimester
First Pregnancy-Moderate Scoliosis
I have moderate scoliosis (40 degree S curve) and am nervous about how my body will handle carrying the extra weight toward the end of my pregnancy. I'm afraid I could have lots of pain and discomfort. I don't have short-term disability. I want to do everything possible to prepare my body for the challange ahead. Anyone with a similar struggle who's been pregnant with moderate scoliosis? If so, how bad is your curve? How did you prepare? Cope? Tips? Thanks
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Re: First Pregnancy-Moderate Scoliosis
I have scoliosis too, and a smiliar sized S curve. It hasn't been that bad for me- my dr says that my back pain is probably a bit worse than most, but nothing unmanagable. My suggestions: make sure you exercise- at least just going for a walk- every day to keep from getting stiff (and gaining too much weight), take time to stretch or do yoga (which if you are unflexible like me, feels ridiculous, but helps) and ask your dr to refer you to a chiropractor if it gets too bad.
Also, if you are hoping to have an epidural, ask your dr to put you in touch with an anesteseologist at the hospital before hand to review your case. Some might not want to touch your spine w/o knowing ahead of time what they will be looking at.
Good luck!
I'm not as bad off as you, I have mild (28 degree) S curve and honestly it hasn't caused many problems with the pregnancy that I haven't experienced pre-pregnant. I get uncomfortable faster when sitting or standing for periods of time. And I can't walk as long as previously. But it's not anything crippling since it's mild. The worst for me is being required to sleep on my side, that really drives my back crazy and I end up with a lot of pain and stiffness. However, if you have a recliner (I don't) it should help to sleep in that when you get further along. Currently I prop myself up in a reclining position with pillows and it does help. I'm 29 weeks and up 20 pounds to give you an idea of the time and weight I'm dealing with.
My doctor has also mentioned a belt for support. I didn't look into this, but I assume it's much like a weight belt and takes some of the strain off your back. I figured since I'm not too bad off I don't need it. Of course, talking with your doctor (s)he may have better ideas on how to cope. Good luck to you, I hope you don't end up in too much pain before birth.
Like you, I have a moderate S-curve and my doc has been watching me for increased back pain and such. I have experienced more than the "usual" over the last 2-3 weeks...especially at night. The muscles of my right upper back have always been prone to pain because they are pushed together by my upper curve, and at night it is especially annoying. Not unbearable but just uncomfortable. My lower back hasn't given me much grief yet though.
Ditto pp about talking to the anesthesiologist--my doc made plans to do this at my very first appt because he isn't sure if they will be able to place an epi on me (or if they can, they will want to review the case first). This honestly makes me nervous to have an epi at all, but we'll see I guess.
I also ditto the exercise comment, I have been going to the gym 5 days/week throughout pregnancy and it has helped keep me loose. The only thing I would suggest is that you don't do any exercises that aggravate any back muscles that are particularly affected by your curve. I mentioned my upper right back before--when I use the elliptical machine (with the arms) it sometimes aggravates my upper back. So I have been just doing the machine without the arms, or using the treadmill instead.
I know a woman who had very severe scoliosis...she loved being pregnant, instead of causing more pain the pressure of the womb on her spine straitened it a little relieving some of the pain she constantly has, she actually gain a quarter of an inch during her pregnancy (she shrank 5 inches from the time she was 16 until she was around 28 because of her back getting so severely miss shaped). She birthed 10 children...She is the only woman I know who actually wouldn't mind being eternally pregnant. She always joked about that.
Good luck with your pregnancy! I hope you have it as easy as possible!
I (had) severe scoliosis (65deg S curve) but have since had it fused, it was brought down to the low 30's with a Cottrel Dubosset rods.
There's been absolutely no complications whatsoever.
Epis are out of the q for me, so I'm looking into alternative methods of pain relief. Evidently the problem is that the port can't get to the epidural space, and while they can "diffuse" the drugs around there, there's little/no guarantee that they'll actually reach the nerve.
All I can say is, WOW!
That's amazing.