Scoliosis and Epidurals

Fergiegal · October 2011

Last week I had an appointment with my OBGYN, and I asked her if there would be any issue with me having a 7 degree scoliosis curvature, and an epidural. So, she set me up to have a consult with an anestheologist at the hospital I am delivering at. The anestheologist went over everything with me, and he said it's really nothing to worry about, and that he has given successful epidurals to women with far worse degree of scoliosis. Of course, he did mention that what could happen is that the epidural does not cover the entire area it is supposed to. So then I asked him what if I have to deliver C section, and he mentioned the possibility of General anesthesia if the epidural does not work 100%. That freaked me out. The idea of being completely put out to deliver my baby, and missing that amazing moment of looking at my baby right after he comes out of me.....it just brings me to tears.

I feel that that he told me about the General anesthesia just because they are supposed to disclose EVERYTHING to the patient (just in case)....but I still can't but to worry. I am also starting to think my doctor may want me to deliver via C section instead because I am only 5 feet tall, and petite. Also as a result of the scoliosis, my hips are slightly lop sided....one side of my hips is a little higher than the other side....which I feel wouldn't be good for a baby to come out vaginally. Of course what I want most is to be able to deliver my baby vaginally with no complications, but I am starting to think there might be a greater chance of a c-section. The hip thing is something I will discuss with my OB at the next appt next week.

Anyone out there had a similar situation before? What was your epidural/birth experience?

ajb85 · October 2011

I have scoliosis (4 degree curve the last it was checked) and so does my older sister who gave birth last October. My doctor has never mentioned anything to me about epidurals but I can tell you my sisters experience... She was induced and had the epidural. For her, it only worked on half of her body (but I've heard that can happen to anyone). She has told me that it wasn't a huge issue that it didn't cover the entire area (just enough to take the edge off) and delivered just fine. Also, I believe her curve might be around the same degree as yours.

Goodluck

Fergiegal · October 2011

ajb85:
I have scoliosis (4 degree curve the last it was checked) and so does my older sister who gave birth last October. My doctor has never mentioned anything to me about epidurals but I can tell you my sisters experience... She was induced and had the epidural. For her, it only worked on half of her body (but I've heard that can happen to anyone). She has told me that it wasn't a huge issue that it didn't cover the entire area (just enough to take the edge off) and delivered just fine. Also, I believe her curve might be around the same degree as yours.
Goodluck

Thank you for sharing your sister's experience. Glad she had a good delivery! Good luck to you as well

mrsgabus · October 2011

I have scoliosis as well and my curve seems to get worse with each pregnancy. My hips are also screwy, my left is higher than my right.

I had a epidural with both my labors and felt barely anything. With my 5 year old it was quick and easy, the epidural worked better than I thought.

With my two week old I mentioned it before they started doing it and although it took a few minutes for them to make sure they had the right spot (they kept feeling my hips) it went great as well. The guy did take his time and was extra careful and the epidural worked just as well as the first time.

I hope it works as well for you as they did for me.

Oh I should add I am 5'2 and 98LBs soaking wet. A womens size does not define what we can deliver lol Although I do have relately average/small sized babies.

kamedio · October 2011

Funny you should post this as I just had this talk today at my 31 week checkup! I also have scoliosis but it's more severe in my upper spine and less in my lower. My dr told me that there is a chance that the epidural may not be as effective because of scoliosis (and that's even if I get to get one) but it very well could work just fine but wanted me to know ahead of time so it's not dropped on me that day. I know it didn't answer your question 100% but good to know that there is still a chance it could work. I did also ask at the very beginning of all of this about the chance of having to have a c-section and my doctor said she wasn't too concerned that I would have to unless there was issue with the baby. Good luck!!

meahganf · October 2011

I have scoliosis too, and I'm opting for a natural birth. My Dr. is aware that I have scoliosis and lordosis (sp?) In high school I had spinal anesthesia for a knee surgery and had some complications. Nothing serious, I just lost some spinal fluid and stayed horizontal for about a week. I know that although they are close, epidurals and spinal anesthesia for surgery go in different spots in the vertebral column. I personally, just decided that I do not want to risk the chance of being so sick the first week while needing to take care of a newborn. I've chosen natural birth for a number of reasons other than this one, but it was a factor.

I think that since you've told your anesthesiologist about your scoliosis and he has been able to asses you, that this is a big plus. I don't think that when I was in High School my parents ever said anything, so the Dr's couldn't prepare for it.

ChickensFive · October 2011

I have scoliosis I do not remember the degree of curve but I have two curves. I was told that.if the epi did not work they would put me under local anthesia (sp?). The epi worked and I delivered my triplets with no issue. ETA: I had a planned c-section.

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