Does anyone know, suspect, or have theories if there is a correlation between Chiari and natural childbirth? My symptoms presented a few years after having my son (many years ago) and have gotten worse over the years, but with both of my kids, I literally pushed for 4 hours until they finally used the suction device to get them out. My daughter crowned at 9:30 am, and was born at 1:30 pm. Needless to say, I only had 2 kids and called it good! :-)
I have seen that if the docs know you have Chiari, they might schedule a C-section. So, I was just wondering this interesting thing to ponder.
I have been told that when you have Chiari you should not have natural child birth because it makes the symptoms worse. They are really skeptical with Chiari patients, but they say it can be done.
I had two babies natural child birth before I was diagnosed but after my symptoms started. I refused to get an epidural because I was petrified of a needle in my spine. I don't think either made my symptoms worse but it definitely made it harder to give birth. I was so sore afterwards and bearing down felt awful. Wendy
I'm actually certified in a lot of birthy areas... I'm a doula, lactation educator, and childbirth educator. I've done a lot of thinking about Chiari and birth, especially since before my symptoms kicked into high gear we were thinking about starting a family.
My thoughts on the matter are straining of any kind makes your Chiari worse, right? Pushing for an extended period of time may or may not worsen your Chiari, but I don't think it would cause it. Epidurals on the other hand may if they puncture the wrong place or you get a leak. Women who have epidurals (especially first time moms) usually push longer than women who don't use any kind of drugs because they can't sense when and how to push. Your births were obviously the exception to that rule!
If I have children (and now it's up in the air) I will definitely go the natural route because A) my spine won't be punctured and B) I can labor down and let my body push when it's ready. You can be 10 cm complete and not have the urge to push for 20 minutes to an hour or more!
I know that there's a risk of my Chiari getting worse but I feel that's a risk I'm willing to take to avoid a cesarean birth. Just my opinion, and I know others will feel differently. If you want to discuss it more, I love talking birth! :D
Thats when my symptoms started after the birth of my 2nd child 12 years ago.Had a very traumatic birth an not long after it I was diagnosed with chronic sinititis! took another 11 years to get a diagnosis of chiari.Totally agree that pushing can worsen symptoms.
Denise.
7thhousedoula said:
I'm actually certified in a lot of birthy areas... I'm a doula, lactation educator, and childbirth educator. I've done a lot of thinking about Chiari and birth, especially since before my symptoms kicked into high gear we were thinking about starting a family.
My thoughts on the matter are straining of any kind makes your Chiari worse, right? Pushing for an extended period of time may or may not worsen your Chiari, but I don't think it would cause it. Epidurals on the other hand may if they puncture the wrong place or you get a leak. Women who have epidurals (especially first time moms) usually push longer than women who don't use any kind of drugs because they can't sense when and how to push. Your births were obviously the exception to that rule!
If I have children (and now it's up in the air) I will definitely go the natural route because A) my spine won't be punctured and B) I can labor down and let my body push when it's ready. You can be 10 cm complete and not have the urge to push for 20 minutes to an hour or more!
I know that there's a risk of my Chiari getting worse but I feel that's a risk I'm willing to take to avoid a cesarean birth. Just my opinion, and I know others will feel differently. If you want to discuss it more, I love talking birth! :D
I had my first child in feb 2011. And ive had significant symptoms since then and finally diagnosed with chiari a month ago.
i had an epidural (which didnt work) and i pushed for 2hours. but my littlr girl wouldnt move down at all. so i ended up with a caesarean (had to have a spinal block for the op) but she weighed a whopping 10lb 1/2oz!!! (Im not fat either lol… so i have no idea where i was hiding a baby inside me of that size!)
I have no idea what birth option ill go for next time. probably a c section (because my symptoms are hard work as it is) but on the flip side… its major surgery. mine got infected and re opened!
You just have to consider… if your chiari symptoms do get worse… will it hinder being able to look after your child? Because it does hinder it for me. and that really does break my heart
(had to have a spinal block for the op) but she weighed a whopping 10lb 1/2oz!!! (Im not fat either lol… so i have no idea where i was hiding a baby inside me of that size!)