Scoliosis and epidurals

[melsa31]

I'm just over 38 weeks pregnant and as the big day gets closer I'm giving some thought to my pain relief options for childbirth!

I have a mild curvature in my lower spine and I'm wondering if anyone else has this (scoliosis) and has had an epidural? I'm just starting to worry a little about whether I will be able to be given an epidural safely, if at all??

I'd love to hear of any experiences with this.

[Kmn]

I have scoliosis and had a spinal without any probs. If you are concerned then see if you can talk to an anaesthetist in the next few days.

[kirsty_lee]

I had an epidural and have scoliosis. The anethesist pretty much laughed at me when I told her of my concerns, so I take it that it won't be a problem

[~mamaspice~]

Sorry to be negative here but I have a curvature of the lower spine also. When the anaesthetist tried to get the epi in for my CS he hit bone 4 times (causing a terrible nerve type pain down my spine) on the 5th attempt he got the epi in but i didn't go numb and I ended up needing a general anasthetic.

If I need another cs I desperately want to avoid a general next time round. My spine Dr told me to make an appointment with the anaesthetist in advance and show him my x-ray so they know the right angle to put the needle in. Alternatively they can use ultrasound to guide the epi into the right spot but unfortunately not may hospitals would probably go to that much trouble.

[melsa31]

Thanks for your replies. I spoke to my OB yesterday and he said they'll need to know exactly which part of my spine has the curve. It's been years since I saw a chiro or had any X-rays done so I'm not sure how I'm going to get that information. Guess I'll just have to wait and see what happens...

[aussienic]

It's been years since I had an Xrays done too and have had 3 epi's..