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Hello Again, D-

I did a literature search to find an answer to your question. You are right, it isn’t easy information to find, and I’m not sure why that is. I did find a few articles. None of them specifically answer your question, but they do cover the topic in a general way.

My take is that assuming your back is stable, the pregnancy itself may be just as much a strain as a vaginal delivery. Of course, everything will depend on your history and your specific situation, but generally I get the impression that the very best thing you will be able to do is to work with a physical therapist on core strengthening to hold your spine in place as much as is possible. Pilates, swimming, and yoga are low and no impact, and they strengthen your core. A strong core means a more stable spine.

I’ll list the addresses for these articles for you so you can read them and talk to your doctor. As long as your medical team is aware of your issues and you stay in the best condition you can, if your spine is stable hopefully a natural delivery won’t be any worse for you than the pregnancy.

I’m very glad you wrote, because I learned some things myself today. Good luck and please keep us posted.

Sources:

Ask the Experts: Can Spondylolysthesis cause Complications During Pregnancy?
http://www.physioroom.com/experts/asktheexperts/answers/qa_tj_20040413.php

Trevor Lee, FRCS & Harold Ellis, MCH, FRCS: Rectosigmoid Obstruction Due To Compression between calcified ovarian tumors and the lip of an advanced spondylolisthesis. Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. Volume 77, June, 1984. (Look at page 3.)
http://bit.ly/bVzQDY

O. Bryekhov & G. Sulima : Pregravid management of women suffering from spine degenerative disease. The Internet Journal of Minimally Invasive Spinal Technology. 2009 Volume 3 Number 4.
http://bit.ly/cn4L0W

Paul L. Sanderson & Robert D. Fraser: The Influence of Pregnancy on the Development of Spondylolisthesis.
http://bit.ly/bG0Gld

Saraste H: Spondylolysis and pregnancy--a risk analysis.
Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1986;65(7):727-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2949484

May 14, 2010 - 6:25pm

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