Broken Foot and Baby Due in 1 Month

amyprgirl · July 2011

Hello everyone! I have a question and haven't been able to find anything online. I am 36 weeks pregnant and Sunday morning I broke my foot in four places trying to rescue a stray dog (we did finally get him!). Anyway, I am trying to figure out if I can actually deliver a baby with a broken foot? I know people hold your legs and you are supposed to "push through your feet", but how do you do that when your foot is broken? I am looking at a minimum of 8 weeks before it heals and the ortho surgeon doesn't want to cast it because of the pregnancy - swelling and blood clots. Obviously, I don't want to re-break it and be immobile with a new baby. Does anyone have any thoughts? Do I just ask for the c-section???

Corbin30 · July 2011

There a lots of positions that you can push in, and lots of them will be fine with your broken leg. SInce having surgery increases your risk for blood clots, and so does your fracture, I would think you would want to avoid a c-section as much as you can.

gigglingtoes217 · July 2011

First off I wanna say your poor thing!! That has to be awful! Can you take anything besides Tylenol?? I would imagine if you have an epidural you wouldnt feel anything...Your Dr hasnt talked about this yet with you..? Good luck and I feel for you!

forensicmama · July 2011

You don't need a foot to give birth, hun. Don't ask for a c-section! Then you'll have a a wound from major abdominal surgery ON TOP OF a broken foot to recover from! Most of the birthing process is done in a bed, in most cases, anyway! You don't need a foot at all. The only time you'll need a foot is for after you give birth and they ask you to go pee or poop, but even then you can ask for assistance or a bed pan.

TwinCitiesGirl · July 2011

OMW - that sounds brutal. I am SO sorry.

I actually DO remember using my feet as a brace to push. My husband and a nurse kind of pushed back on my feet while I pushed forward... kinda hard to explain, but I definitely remember it.

So, anyway, just in case you were feeling a little crazy from all these people telling you that you don't need your feet... I know what you're talking about.

I would call your doctor (I'm sure you've already thought of this, but just throwing it out there) and ask about it. I'm sure they've dealt with this problem before and will give you the info you need.

jill1930 · July 2011

I am 31 weeks and I spent last summer with a broken foot. I can't imagine having to go through both at the same time. I read somewhere to push like you are doing a crunch or sit up instead of through your legs...I would give that a try if I were you. Also, your leg person could hold behind your knee. That way if you felt you needed to use your legs, you could use your upper thighes. This is my first child so I have no idea what giving birth feels like but I did re-brake my foot before it healed last summer so take it easy and don't do anything to mess with your foot healing if you can help it. Good luck to you!!!

ZooCrewMom · July 2011

Having broken a foot in 3 places before I think you'll be amazed at how much it has healed in 4 weeks. With all the positions out there I think you'll be able to find a few that work with the sensitive state your foot will be in.

Dannager · July 2011

You are not going to believe this, but I just got my cast off last month! I spent the first 2 months of my 3rd Tri in a boot...broken foot, 2 places and dr didnt want to cast for same reasons, so I was in a boot. It is true, a lot will heal in 4 weeks, just really stay off it and keep it elevated with TONS of ice! You do use your feet to push, but I was able to have the nurses and my hubby hold the back of my knees too, so the weight could be dispursed as well...you don't need a c, but I could see your concern...good luck! Mine took a solid 6 weeks to heal! and I'm still a little sore to the touch!

janeen77 · February 2014

Hi, not sure if u still check this site given the fact that it's been two years but I'm taking a shot in the dark that you might. I am wondering how things worked out for you. My situation is a little different. I also broke my foot in two places at 36 weeks however I had surgery right away to fix it and I am now two weeks post op in a cast. I am wondering how you managed your newborn with your injury for that is what I am most nervous about. I'm looking at 4 to 12 weeks in a cast non weight bearing. I'm hoping it's closer to 4 weeks but it all depends on how quickly I heal. Anyway I am due in two weeks so I'm pretty nervous about how this is all going to work out. If you see this any advice on how you made it threw would be greatly appreciated!!

reta521 · November 2014

Janeen77 - Im wondering if you have any updates you can share. I'm having surgery this week at 33 weeks for a lisfranc fracture (midfoot) and will be non weight bearing for 10-12 weeks. I'm also scheduled for a C section as I had many complications from vaginal birth 4 years ago. I'm worried about the c section recovery while non weight bearing....as well as taking care of a newborn! I'll have plenty of help but I haven't found similar situations online other than yours. Hoping you see this!!

PrimRoseMama · November 2014

I might be wrong but what does your foot have to do with your vagina? You can lay on your side or squat, use a a birthing bar. Inform your nurses, midwives. They'll help you work it out.