pregnancy & hip arthritis

Hi there,

I have arthritis in my left hip and had a c-section with my first, however that was ultimately due to her bring breech which was a blessing in disguise really as I struggled a lot as the pregnancy went on. I am now 36 weeks pregnant with my 2nd and my hip and back are even worse this time. I also have bad gestational diabetes (which I also had with my 1st). I am booked in for another c-section but it has been a bit of a battle. Like you, my midwife has been supportive of this decision but I've had to fight my corner elsewhere. I saw a consultant midwife who has more sway than my regular midwife on the decision making and she agreed to the c and booked it. She was lovely and very understanding but still said their preferance would be natural birth. I feel that, as you've commented on, there's not always the thought of the suffering afterwards. My advice is just to be strong with what you want and keep pushing if it's not 'advised'. You could get your orthopaedic Dr involved too? My husband was excellent at the appointments and explaining the effects of my hip too, so go with someone. If you feel you are not being listened to, ask your midwife who you could talk to instead who could have some sway. Really hope it all works out. I know what a worry it can be. I'm still panicing I'm not going to make it to my booking and I'll be forced to try a natural birth! Good luck and take care xo

Your doctor will review your medical file and medical history if they do not already know it.
If there is a medical reason, then yes

I know it's kind of late, but you said you were 26 weeks so that makes you due pretty much next week... I have arthritis in my right hip. I had a scope in '09, but it's so severe I have problems walking when I am NOT pregnant. When I got pregnant last June, I told my OB right away that I had hip and back issues, and he worked with my physiatrist on a plan of action. We went through the weeks like I would have a vaginal birth, but then revisited our decision around week 35. While in the office, he asked me to hold my legs in the position that I would be pushing in, then timed it. After that, we planned a c-section (unfortunately it was for February 29, but I took what I could get). Best thing I ever did. My hip is now shot just from the pregnancy, and the physiatrist said there was a good possibility that I would have injured my hip further. I strongly suggest a planned c-section if your arthritis is as bad as mine.

If you DID already have your baby, please tell me how it went. I am curious to see what other people in my situation ultimately ended up doing! Best of luck!