Answers for pregnancy after ADR

[jxe126]

Hi everyone,

I started a new topic so no one would miss that I posted the answers. I just got a response from Dr. Fenk-Mayer on behalf of Dr. Bertagnoli for the questions I asked about preganancy. Here are the responses:

My question(s) is(are) about becoming pregnant after ADR surgery, specifically a 3-level ADR.

1. is it possible to carry a baby to term and if so, how long do you have to wait to try/become pregnant?

About 3 months from surgery we would not see any problems with the approach in a deliverance - and a pregnancy is 9-10 months. So no reason to wait.

2. is any special care needed during the pregnancy e.g., bed rest during the last trimester?

No, see above. Many female patients underwent anterior fusion for decades in very young age, e.g. for scoliosis. No problems known.

3. is a natural, vaginal birth possible with the normal pushing that is needed or is a cesarean section automatically done?

No. [I am assuming the no is referring to the c-section]

4. after the baby is born, does an ADR woman need to wear her brace again as she did post-op to make sure discs are properly positioned after the load of the fetus? If so, for how long?

No. But many women � with and without ADR, have some back pain in late pregnancy, as ligaments get �softer� during this period. So many patients wish to wear an elastic brace anyway (there are models available which leave room for the rounded abdomen, just in case you need one then.).

So, don't forget that I have an appt. with Dr. Yue on Aug. 17th. If anybody has any additional questions they would like answered, you may post them here or send me a PM and I will ask him at that appt.

THANKS!

JULIE

[Alastair]

Thanks Julie this is now in the FAQ`s where all "Good Information" stays

Best
Alastair

[letteski]

Julie

This is such great news for so many women out there that can continue to pursue family dreams while in the mist of ADR.

3 months that is so soon after such a huge surgery 3-levels. Do you have any plans to see your OB/GYN? I would like to know what they thinks about these answers as the doctor that will have to take care of you and the baby.

Thanks for sharing these questions and answers with all of us. Way to go into the FAQ thanks Alastair. You are very brave, braver then most guys with good backs.

[Alastair]

Well I'm here to help everybody male or female to make the most of their lives both before and after ADR.

[jxe126]

Hi Paulette,

Today I am 4 weeks post-op and the thought of carrying a baby is a bit overwhelming...I can still feel discomfort in my incision if I eat too much! I suffered with my back problem for over 13 years, but was managing to live with it until 4 years ago when I started to quickly decline...incidentily, that happened to be shortly after I got married. My husband and I were very active through our 3 year dating period, we even taught ballroom dancing. We had to stop teaching about a year and a half into our marriage.

So, the long answer to your question is, I'm enjoying my husband and I getting our lives back first, and I am looking forward to being active again; at least for a little while before we try to get preganant. But, we can't wait too long because I am 37. I think my OB/GYN will be ok. We are in a University town, so most of the docs in town are usually open to working with other docs, especially if it is with something they aren't familiar with....yeah, I know it's hard to imagine doctors without big egos

I'm glad the info is helpful and I hope this will help someone else consider children who may have thought their chances may have been hopless

JULIE

[letteski]

Julie,

So let me pass the torch to you girlfriend, you are now the ADR Pregnancy Poster Girl in Waiting!!!!!!!!!!!

At 41 and still single I will have to step down. lol