Hypermobility

[oldermummy]

Hi all, I was just wondering if anyone on here has had any experience of hypermobility in pregnancy? I was diagnosed with the condition 18 months after the birth of my 2nd child he was born at 32 weeks, I am aware that there is a connection with premature birth and hypermobility syndrome, what I am looking for is any info or experiences anyone on here may have???

 

[alice&bump]

i'm hypermobile in my legs and stuff, mainly my ankles and knees. i didnt have any problems with my first pregnancy, but they said they'd keep an eye on it. this time i think i'm getting spd, which i suppose could be related, but i dunno!!

 

[oldermummy]

I believe that spd is very common if you are pregnant and have hypermobility. I am getting worsening back pain already (I'm only 7+weeks)!!!

 

[littlekitten8]

I have hypermobility and therefore have had severe back pain. Havnt heard anything about this being linked with premature birth though.

 

[buttercup3]

Hey ladies!

I too am Hypermobile. On the Hypermobility Association website they have some info on pregnancy with Hypermobility.

https://www.hypermobility.org/pregnancy.php

I've never been pregnant myself but reading about uterine prolapses scares the poop outta me so I would make sure that you keep in close contact with your GP/Midwife and that they know that you are Hypermobile and receiving the right care with regards to it.

I know that its obviously going to increase our pain within pregnancy but it seems that it is quite important to get on top of the pelvic floor exercises after the birth and ensure that everything tightens back up in the lady department alright!

Hope that helps!

xx xx

 

[dizzyspells]

I am hypermobile and the worst of my pain is mainly in my hips and knees.My back and hips were more painful during pregnancy and did have spd both times.However it was not as bad as I thought you just need to be extra careful and I was sent for extra Physio to help.x

 

[buttercup3]

Oh I just googled SPD to find out what that was so thought I would post the links to things in here:

SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphysis_pubis_dysfunction

also another common condition is:

Sacroiliac Subluxation (haha fancy way of saying lower back pain): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1829312

Thought these things would be useful for taking to your midwife/GP.

There is also a Parenting forum on the Hypermobility Association Forum:

https://www.hypermobility.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=16&sid=2ec87b4484f35df1c76c8fdae0572ee4

xx xx

 

[buttercup3]

Whoops two posts!

 

[Seity]

I'm glad you posted this. I have some hypermobility and I didn't know that it might be an issue. I'll be sure to bring it up to the midwife at my next appointment.

 

[Brouwer]

I also have hypermobile joints (Beighton score of 8) and have become a little concerned that it may cause a few problems. For several weeks now I have been suffering from what I think might be sciatica. Do you think this could be related? I might make an appointment with my GP to discuss it.

 

[oldermummy]

Hi I have a beighton score of 8 or 9, depending on the consultant!!! Yes the sciatica could very well be related. With hypermobility syndrome affecting the collagen when pregnant the pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments to allow an easy passage for the baby through the birth canal, therefore for people with hypermobility ligaments that are already more stretchy become even more so which can cause more joint problems and pain.
I am not too sure as to why there is an increased risk of premature labour and I only found this out after the prem birth of my second child. I do know that here can be problems with epidural anaesthetics due to being hypermobile, I was unfortunate to experience this and nothing and no-one could EVER convince me to have another epidural!
If you are hypermobile it would definitely be a benefit to speak to your midwife and even your rheumatologist about any effects pregnancy can have. The hypermobility syndrome association have a help line as well and they can be very helpful.
I am pleased that I have started this post as I would have benefited from being aware of the problems that can be associated with pregnancy/childbirth and hypermobility syndromes.

 

[Brouwer]

Hi I have a beighton score of 8 or 9, depending on the consultant!!! Yes the sciatica could very well be related. With hypermobility syndrome affecting the collagen when pregnant the pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments to allow an easy passage for the baby through the birth canal, therefore for people with hypermobility ligaments that are already more stretchy become even more so which can cause more joint problems and pain.
I am not too sure as to why there is an increased risk of premature labour and I only found this out after the prem birth of my second child. I do know that here can be problems with epidural anaesthetics due to being hypermobile, I was unfortunate to experience this and nothing and no-one could EVER convince me to have another epidural!
If you are hypermobile it would definitely be a benefit to speak to your midwife and even your rheumatologist about any effects pregnancy can have. The hypermobility syndrome association have a help line as well and they can be very helpful.
I am pleased that I have started this post as I would have benefited from being aware of the problems that can be associated with pregnancy/childbirth and hypermobility syndromes.

I have not been officially diagnosed with the condition, and probably don't qualify on the Brighton scale as I haven't suffered from arthralgia for greater than 3/4 months, although it would explain why I seem to be so prone to back (particulalry around my shoulder blades) and knee problems! I even had a jaw ligament problem a while back which meant I couldn't open my mouth properly and I had to see an oral surgeon and I read somewhere that this could be related too. I have always been aware that my joints are a bit 'funny' (hubby jokingly calls me a freak of nature sometimes-good job I can take a joke!) but have only recently started to look into it a bit more. I am probably just classed as having hypermobile joints, not the syndrome, but I guess when combined with pregnancy hormones it could become an issue. I will definitely discuss it with my GP. I need to see her anyway because the sciatica is now getting so painful by bedtime that I can't put any weight on my left leg. I'm starting aqua natal classes tonight and hoping that might help and give me some relief.

Thanks so much for posting this thread and for the information you have provided!

 

[oldermummy]

Hi I have a beighton score of 8 or 9, depending on the consultant!!! Yes the sciatica could very well be related. With hypermobility syndrome affecting the collagen when pregnant the pregnancy hormones soften the ligaments to allow an easy passage for the baby through the birth canal, therefore for people with hypermobility ligaments that are already more stretchy become even more so which can cause more joint problems and pain.
I am not too sure as to why there is an increased risk of premature labour and I only found this out after the prem birth of my second child. I do know that here can be problems with epidural anaesthetics due to being hypermobile, I was unfortunate to experience this and nothing and no-one could EVER convince me to have another epidural!
If you are hypermobile it would definitely be a benefit to speak to your midwife and even your rheumatologist about any effects pregnancy can have. The hypermobility syndrome association have a help line as well and they can be very helpful.
I am pleased that I have started this post as I would have benefited from being aware of the problems that can be associated with pregnancy/childbirth and hypermobility syndromes.

I have not been officially diagnosed with the condition, and probably don't qualify on the Brighton scale as I haven't suffered from arthralgia for greater than 3/4 months, although it would explain why I seem to be so prone to back (particulalry around my shoulder blades) and knee problems! I even had a jaw ligament problem a while back which meant I couldn't open my mouth properly and I had to see an oral surgeon and I read somewhere that this could be related too. I have always been aware that my joints are a bit 'funny' (hubby jokingly calls me a freak of nature sometimes-good job I can take a joke!) but have only recently started to look into it a bit more. I am probably just classed as having hypermobile joints, not the syndrome, but I guess when combined with pregnancy hormones it could become an issue. I will definitely discuss it with my GP. I need to see her anyway because the sciatica is now getting so painful by bedtime that I can't put any weight on my left leg. I'm starting aqua natal classes tonight and hoping that might help and give me some relief.

Thanks so much for posting this thread and for the information you have provided!

Well I am pleased it has helped, see if your gp will refer you for physio and maybe even to see a rheumatologist (they are the docs who diagnose hypermobility) good luck

 

[zara_lou]

I have just been researching hypermobility and the effects it has on a pregnant lady. Reason being is that I am 12 weeks pregnant and have suffered from hypermobility since I was 12, but was only officially diagnosed at the beginning on the year with a score of 9 (top end). My main area of concern is my lower spine and my skin. Because of this I have had to be referred to a consultany at my local hospital to have heart checks as my hypermobility effects skin and so my heart muscles may relax too much during pregnancy.
I am also really concerned about my lower back. I always have extreame pain and physio makes no difference, but now I am pregnant it has made the problem worse. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how I can relieve the pain. Its effecting my hip now as well.

Thanks

Zara

 

[oldermummy]

Hi Zara Lou, with regards to having your heart checked, it is good that your doctors are doing this, I had to insist!! I had my heart scan a couple of weeks ago and all has come back as normal, thank god!! I get the really bad back pain, especially in the mornings to the point that some days I find it difficult to get out of bed!! My hips periodically go really bad for a few days at a time often bringing me to tears I have tried countless painkillers over the years and none have them have helped my hips the best thing I have found is having a soak in a warm bath and using hot water bottles or heat packs, this also helps with my back. I am managing now with no pain relief as I really don't want to use any whilst pregnant. Oh another thing that may help is investing in a maternity pillow, they are great for getting in a good position at night and are also good to get comfy sitting down too. Hope your back feels better soon.

 

[minimonkey]

Hi, I have hypermobililty with a score of 8 - I went to the a rheumatologist who specialises in this syndrome - also known as EDS III. I am 18 weeks pregnant with my second child. When I had my first I didn't realise I had it and that it could affect the pregnancy. I carried him to 37 weeks but the labour was rapid - 3 hours, I had trouble with severe backpain throughout (I was treated as a wingey pregnant lady!!), I had trouble breast feeding (and was told that other mothers can do it so can I - this is prevalent with this condition), my stitches didn't heal quickly and I have incontintnance. I was so releived when I realised it wasn't me just not taking to pregnancy! I have had 2 miscarriages as well. The rheumatologist suggested I see an Obs consultant as there are many considerations to take into account during pregnancy, so after getting referred by my midwife - who admitted she had never heard of this condition, I felt really happy that I would be looked after as premature births are not uncommon as well as other complications - which thankfully didn't occur the first time. I didn't see the consultant - it was a reg. who too admitted he didn't realise that it could affect pregnancy - after discussing it with the consulant - who also didn't know much about it they decided to discharge me as they 'think it should be alright as I carried my first child to 37 weeks'. I am really shocked at this ignorance - there are so many cases of prem babies of between 27-32 weeks. I have come away with no suggestions, help or guidance. I am so frustrated.

 

[vickie83]

I'm hypermobile and already having awful pain in my hips and lower back I'm only 11 weeks and have been referred to the physio already.

 

[Nearlypease]

Hi, glad I've found this thread. My partner and I are getting married in 2 weeks and are planning to start trying for a baby straight away. I know that I have HMS but I'm not sure to what degree as I've never had any medical professional check it out. My mum and grandmother have been diagnosed and so I've been informed that I have it too. I struggle with the lumber region of my back in the mornings or if I've been standing up for too long (not good for a 25 year old!) and my partner and I are a bit concerned about how pregnancy might affect my back and wondered if there's anything that I can do at this stage to help?

Any tips or advice that anyone has would be more than welcome!

Thanks
Nearlypease

 

[lea28]

Hi I haven't got hypermobility but my friend is affected by it. She only found out when her brother had problems and ended up being wheelchair bound. This was after she had had her baby, her labour was very short, about 2/3 hours and she ended up having her LO on the bathroom floor! nOW she is aware that it was most likely the hypermobility that caused her short labour she will have to be admitted to hospital early when she has another LO.

 

[raematt01]

hiya i was diagnosed with HMS a few months ago even though for years i kept on at doctors that i had it but they wouldnt listen i am now pregnant with my 4th child and have really bad SPD and im not on crutches