Comprehensive Guide to Scoliosis and Pregnancy
Scoliosis, a common condition among adolescent girls, often leads to questions for those who plan to have a baby later in life. Here are some common queries answered:
Is there a risk for scoliosis patients in getting pregnant?
No, there is no increased risk for scoliosis patients in getting pregnant. They can experience a normal pregnancy process without complications related to scoliosis.
Does pregnancy cause scoliosis to progress?
The progression of scoliosis during pregnancy depends on the degree of curvature. If the degree is high (above 50°), there may be a risk of progression, unrelated to pregnancy. However, low-degree scoliosis is not influenced by pregnancy.
Does pregnancy age affect the progression of scoliosis?
Pregnant women are adults with fully developed bones and stature, so the age at which they become pregnant does not correlate with scoliosis progression.
Does the number of pregnancies affect scoliosis progression?
No, the number of pregnancies does not have any effect on the progression of scoliosis.
Does scoliosis cause any problems during delivery?
No, scoliosis does not cause any issues during delivery. The patients' spines are no different from those of normal women.
Should scoliosis patients choose normal or caesarean delivery?
Pregnant scoliosis patients can opt for normal delivery. The curvature of the spine does not affect the capacity of the pelvis. However, those with high-degree scoliosis, along with lung or heart conditions, or an unsuitable birth canal, may undergo caesarean delivery after evaluation by relevant specialists.
Is there any impact on pregnant women who have undergone scoliosis surgery?
If the scoliosis surgery was successful, there should be no progression of the disease during pregnancy. Pregnancy does not cause back pain or an increase in scoliosis angle in patients who have had scoliosis surgery before.
What should be the choice of anesthesia for scoliosis patients during childbirth?
Two types of anesthesia can be chosen: general or regional. Regional anesthesia can be administered either epidural or spinal.
Which type of anesthesia is more suitable: general or regional?
General anesthesia is the appropriate choice for mothers with lung or heart diseases or technical difficulties for regional anesthesia. In cases where surgical operations on the back have caused ossification (fusion) that blocks injection to the spine, regional anesthesia might not be possible, and general anesthesia becomes the only option.
Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. It typically begins during adolescence, and the exact cause is often unknown.
The severity and progression rate of scoliosis determine the need for surgery. Surgery may be considered for severe scoliosis cases that cannot be controlled with medication, physical therapy, and regular monitoring.
Scoliosis surgery is generally performed using metal rods and screw systems to correct and stabilize the spine.
A comprehensive evaluation should be conducted before surgery. It's important to strictly follow your surgeon's instructions. Preoperative blood tests and other examinations may be performed.
The recovery process can vary from person to person, but typically, patients stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery and then continue their recovery at home.
Yes, physical therapy and rehabilitation are often recommended after surgery. This helps strengthen muscles and support the spine.
Your surgeon will prescribe medications and techniques suitable for pain management. Pain management is crucial for a comfortable recovery process.
This process varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient's rate of recovery. Your surgeon will guide you on when you can return to normal activities.
Like all surgical interventions, scoliosis surgeries come with certain risks. These risks may include infection, bleeding, and potential damage to spinal nerves. However, these risks can be minimized depending on your surgeon's experience and the complexity of the surgery.
Regular doctor check-ups after surgery are essential. During these check-ups, the progress of your spine's healing and any potential complications will be monitored. These check-ups are important for evaluating your long-term health status.
BEFORE & AFTER
View transformations in our patients' before and after photos.
