Getting Pregnant after Back Surgery

[PriandRafa]

Hi Ladies,

just wondering if there is anyone who has had back surgery in the past and got pregnant after.

Just wanted to know what to expect, and if you had natural birth, or opted for a C-Section, or if you are pregnant with the first, what are you feeling and what are you considering!

I had a laminetcomy on my L5 S1 done on February 2013 and I am now pregnant with my first.

Thanks a lot and wishing you well!

 

[backsnbumps]

Hi PriandRafa

I've had a L4-S1 fusion and three back op's between 2012-2015. I had the metalwork taken out in Feb 2015 and found out I was pregnant 10 weeks later. I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant and things are going OK.

In terms of delivery I've spoken to Obs and Spinal consultant and both are recommending a vaginal delivery over a c-section for me. This way I can keep my core as strong as possible.

I've set up a blog to follow my pregnancy journey as like you I didn't find much info online. Contact me if you have any other questions or queries as I'd be happy to share my experiences.

You can see more about me on Facebook under my page backsnbumps and there is a link to my website there.

Thanks Lisa

 

[PriandRafa]

Hi Lisa,

thank you so much for your reply!
Yes, I did not find much online and was just curious and worried on what to expect going forward!
Wow, a fusion and 3 back surgeries? That seems like you've been through a lot!!
I'm glad you are feeling fine now and congrats on your pregnancy!

I will look for you on facebook

I'm feeling ok too, no back pains and I am on week 13 now, so you are 1 month ahead of me!

I spoke to my obs and he didn't suggest either or, just that we could talk and that he does not have any problems doing a C-Section if I choose so. I need to call my spine specialist, the one who did my surgery to see what he thinks is best!!

I'm sorry for all you went through, but I am glad I "found" you!
Hope we can keep in touch and share our experiences!!
Have a great day!

 

[StaceyM]

Hey. I'm already in 3rd trimester so I thought I'd chime in on this one. I had an L5 discectomy with no fusing. Now this was a loooong time ago, but I was worried as well. I actually don't seem to be having any complications from it at all, and really I don't even think I have any extra pain!! There were some tight points in my back as the baby grew, but stretching and massage helped. I kind of thought the baby would stretch out my back, and I was even worried at one point about whether the baby could break my scar open there. Now I find all of my earlier worries funny. My big bump doesn't seem to stretch my back skin at all, and my ObGyn can't imagine why it would interfere with a vaginal delivery. The only thing he mentioned was that an epidural MIGHT be more difficult, but he was pretty sure that even that wouldn't be a problem. You can ask for a consult with an anesthetist (the person who inserts the epidural) prior to delivery if you are concerned. Honestly, I'm 39 years old, so I expected so many problems that just never happened. My back has been fine, and my ObGyn doesn't even treat it like it is a concern at all... I'm in pretty decent shape so that might help. Keep stretching and strengthening, but watch doing too many ab exercises, because that can cause abdominal separation (common in pregnancy) and actually weaken the whole system. Good luck!

 

[PriandRafa]

Thanks, Stacey!
and congrats on being your 3rd Trimester, and better yet, with no back pain!

glad all is well with you and baby besides all the worries!!!

When are you due?

I just entered my second last week and I feel completely fine. (I know, I still have a long way to go )

I need to call my surgeon, my concern is not the scar, I believe it is pretty closed. Also I am searching to purchase a band to provide me with more support on belly and back as baby grows. Better safe than sorry!
What concerns me a bit on the vaginal delivery is the pushing. I'm afraid that if I do too much pushing, I might re-herniate the same disc, or herniate a new one! Sorry, traumatized for life I guess....
Also will check if I can have the consultation with the anesthetist.

Thanks again!

 

[StaceyM]

I'm due on October 14. I had the soft part of the disc completely removed so there is no chance it will herniate again, as it isn't there any more! Maybe our operations were slightly different, so I guess you need to check with your doctor about that. As for herniating a new disc, I guess it depends on any other back health issues you might have. I had my operation 15 years ago and since that time I have taught dance and worked in the performing arts with a schedule that was physically demanding, and I have never had any other disc issues. I think that they all work separately for the most part, unless you have some other overriding back issue besides the single herniation. Try not to worry. I don't think herniating a disc while pushing is common, or my doctor would have mentioned it to me by now, as he knows my situation. I feel like being used to back pain actually makes pregnancy easier in some ways. Make sure that you keep doing your back stretches. Those saved me after my surgery.