Chiari Malformation

Kay6519 · January 2016

I'm not yet expecting (still hanging out in TTCAL / TTGP for now), but I was curious if anyone else has the Chiari malformation and how your pregnancy / birth experience with it went? We are hoping to have a natural birth, but I would love to hear any experiences anyone might have.

Thanks in advance!

emsmama15 · January 2016

Hi! I haven't intro'd on this board - just lurking - but I noticed this post and wanted to let you know I have a Chiari Type 1. I was told it would have no impact on my life, but it did actually impact my delivery. Pregnancy - I got a level II ultrasound but other than that, no issues. Delivery - I was told about two weeks prior to the delivery that the head of anesthesia had said I could not have an epidural or spinal. So, either a completely natural delivery or a c-section with general anesthesia were my two choices. I had a neurology consult and he told me that if I were his wife, he'd recommend the c-section, but the natural delivery would be "okay" if I had my heart set on it. I ended up with the c-section with general anesthesia. So, I definitely think a natural birth is an option if that's what you're looking for, but ultimately it's up to the anesthesia department at the hospital you deliver at. I'd speak to your OB about it.

GinnyJ2012 · January 2016

I have a Chiari Type 1 also and other than having my anatomy scans at MFM for a level II scan there has been no difference. I had epidurals with both deliveries at two different hospitals with no complications.

For regular life, I was in a car accident and had spinal swelling that put pressure on my brain. I had some dizzy spells, memory loss, and a few other minor problems. It was how I was diagnosed with it. Prior to the accident (I was 23) I had no knowledge of it.

jomama1618 · January 2016

I am 14 weeks, PGAL (multiple losses). I have always had symptoms with my Chiari, so was concerned when it came to this. One of the things I have noticed so far, is that I have gotten far more Chiari migraines since being pregnant. (Benadryl, Tylenol and some caffeine together is what a wonderful dr told me to take as soon as I felt it coming on. This cocktail has kept me out of the er more than a few times! I also usually try to eat something with protein and sugar, just to err on the side of caution with blood sugar.) I was also told that it was in my best intrest not to have any type of epidural or spinal block. Although some places are ok with it, and some people have had perfectly healthy births like that. They said if I wanted to try natural, I had the option of something through iv to help (pain med wise. I think they ate worried about seizures/my epilepsy being triggered). But told that a c-section under general anesthesia was the healthiest option. (pushing could cause further herniation, was the reasoning behind it. As I was told.) We will be discussing this more at my next visit (new hospital and amazing new dr, so we will see his input.) So I guess I'm not very much help, but will update as we go on. And feel free to message me if you would like to talk.

Kay6519 · January 2016

Thank you for your responses! It's great to hear about other's experiences. My doctor is very non-chalant about it with the mentality that we will wait to cross that bridge until something comes up.

I haven't had too many issues with the malformation aside from migraines, dizzy spells, and some minor issues.

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Chiari Malformation

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