Realizing I Have Limitations Related to Delivery

Most expectant mothers worry about going into labor at an inopportune time like at the grocery store or at work. Expectant mothers with Chiari and/or Syringomyelia have a much different outlook on labor and delivery. We have to take so many things into account when it comes to both the safety of our unborn children and the safety of ourselves. We generally do not deal with traditional worries as other mothers do, rather we have new challenges to face.

In the very beginning of this pregnancy I was adamant that I was NOT going to have a cesarean section. My obstetrician and perinatal specialist both recommended c-sections and I promptly stated that I delivered my first two children naturally and I wanted to do the same with Colin. Finally at 23 or 24 weeks I saw a post for a conference presentation on one of my Syringomyelia support group pages about pregnancy with Chiari and/or Syringomyelia that was presented by a leading neurologist for my condition. I watched the video and was shocked that they recommended c-sections for all Syringomyelia patients who had not had surgery. I then posted on the support page asking for any ideas from mothers who had delivered with Syringomyelia. Each mother had their own story, but there was one common theme…DO NOT HAVE A VAGINAL DELIVERY! I was taken aback and did not want to believe that it could affect me so negatively. I conceded and agreed to have a c-section during my last doctor’s visit.

Tonight I watched another webinar from that same well known neurologist in the field and he confirmed my fears. I should NOT have a natural birth. Now for the decisions that face me in relation to my labor and delivery. First off, how should I deliver? The answer is obvious at this point, c-section. The second portion of this is HOW should the c-section be performed?

There are a few options which I have to consider with the consultation of my group of doctors. The first is to have an epidural for my c-section. This is the least ideal for individuals with Syringomyelia because it could cause a magnitude of issues including an infection in my spinal cord. The second is to have a spinal tap. Now many people see this as a highly negative term; however, it is one of the safer ways for a person with Syringomyelia to deliver via c-section. The safest way is to have general anesthesia. I am apprehensive about this because I completely miss out on the birth of my son. The other risk factor for this is that they will have to intubate me. Intubation for individuals with Syringomyelia and/or Chiari will cause serious damage. In fact, people like me should NEVER have their necks hyper-extended. This causes some reluctance for the general anesthesia.

My doctor’s are planning a meeting with each of the necessary points of focus during my delivery prior to our delivery of Colin. My medical arsenal for Colin’s delivery will include my OB, Perinatal Specialist, Neurosurgeon, Neurologist, Anesthesiologist and surgical nurses. I feel like I need to go to medical school just to attend my own delivery of my son.

The one thing that I want to make sure everyone is aware of in all of this is one very important fact, no matter how much I have to go through in order to bring my son into this world; I am willing to give everything for him just as I am for my other sweethearts. My children are my life and I don’t care how much pain I have to be in, as long as they are ok, I am one happy mommy. Thanks for reading through and I will keep you posted as I find out more information about my pregnancy and upcoming delivery.

Conference and Videos from Roger W Kula, MD FAAN, Medical Director Chiari Institute:
CSF presents Pregnancy & Diagnostic Methodologies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz6MfRCyfCk
ASAP presents Pregnancy in woman diagnosed with Chiari and/ or Syringomyelia: http://www.asap.org/index.php/online-video-library/pregnancy/