Scoliosis is a deformity of the spine that causes a sideways S- or C-shaped curvature to develop over time. Scoliosis is not a reason to avoid pregnancy. It does not cause any major risks to the fetus or physical limitations to the child. The effects of pregnancy on patients with scoliosis are examined in terms of increased risk of progression of the curvature of spine. Some studies show that patients lost 2, 6, and 18 degrees of correction during their first pregnancies. But the curves stayed the same or were enhanced with later pregnancies.
There is no evidence that scoliosis damages fertility. It does not lead to an increased number of spontaneous abortions, stillbirths or congenital malformations. Before 1950, it was believed that pregnancy would make scoliosis worse. Over the past 40 years, several studies have been done in hundreds of women with the disease. It shows that pregnancy, labor, delivery and fetal complications are no different in women with scoliosis and without the disease. In addition, surveys of relapse rates and MRI scans verify that pregnancy considerably reduces the possibilities of a relapse.
Generally, scoliosis does not increase during pregnancy. As the pregnancy hormones dampen the activity of the immune system, the symptoms of this disease are often stabilized during pregnancy. It does not provide any adverse effects on the period of pregnancy and the ability to deliver children. The pregnancy progress is uncomplicated and the baby grows normally. Compared with normal patients, pregnant patients with scoliosis may experience greater back pain. They require detailed monitoring of the disease and fetal security. Increased use of assistive devices to walk and the use of wheel chair are advisable. Certain drugs used in the treatment of scoliosis cause birth defects, and are to be avoided.
Bladder and bowel problems may be a problem for women with scoliosis who already have urinary or bowel dysfunction. Weakness due to scoliosis may prevent sufficient pushing at the time of the birth. It results the use of forceps or suction assistance. Supportive treatment and rehabilitation for scoliosis are especially important throughout pregnancy for reducing weakness and back or neck pain. The best ways to keep healthy are proper nutrition, rest, exercise and prenatal care. The guidelines provided by an obstetrical care provider and neurologist should be followed.
PregnancyScoliosis [http://www.WetPluto.com/Adult-Scoliosis.html] provides detailed information on scoliosis, adult scoliosis, congenital scoliosis, infantile scoliosis and more. Scoliosis is affiliated with Back Pain Relief [http://www.WetPluto.com/Back-Pain.html].