Hi i was interested in finding out if there are any women my age 30 with mild disc protrusions (1 in lowback and 2 in neck) and have had a baby or thinking about having one. i am a little nervous to get pregnant (pressure on spine during pregnancy and delivering a baby). i was looking for positive or negative experiences to help me aid in my decision. Not to many places to turn to and looking for feedback to give me confidence with my decision. i have consulted with my doctor just wanted women who know or went through it's opinion. Someone i can relate with if that makes sense.
Are they not bad enough to necessitate surgery? If so you should be able to manage them with chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture. I had a mild herniation of L5 throughout my second pregnancy and it actually felt better during, a little worse toward the end with the extra weight.
I have two herniated discs in my lower back; I had the same fear that it would hurt during pregnancy, especially the weight pulling me forward. However, to my surprise & delight, my back didn't hurt at all when I was pregnant (at 30). Actually my chiropractor told me that when you are pregnant there is a chemical called "relaxen" that kicks in and can alleviate or make those kinds of pains go away (for the pregnancy). I didn't have back labor as I feared I would either, but that has more to do with the position of the baby. I also have a long torso, so that might have had something to do with it - more room for the little guy!
This was one of my main concerns as I have 3 protrusions in my neck. I used HypnoBirthing, which was fantastic in showing me different exercises and positions to do prenatally, during labor, and in birth that put the least amount of stress on my neck and back. I have had 2 children using this method and I can say I had no problems with any ruptures or any other complications to those areas.
I would also advise regular chiropractic treatment. I would start now, he or she might even rectify the bulged discs before you even get pregnant. Once your spine is stabilized your chiropractor can give you simple strengthening exercises to keep your discs where they belong!
I had two bulging disc in my upper neck that I ignored and they came out completely leading to surgery - a double neck fusion using bones from my hip. If caught early on you should be able to use traction to help get the disc back in place. I would take care of your neck first (especially the upper disc) as they will only degenerate over time. I did not try accupuncture or chiropractic therapy as mine were already out and they would not relsolve my issue. I know you are probably thinking you want to get pregnant soon, I had my first at 38, second the day before I turned 40 and my third at 43. You have time. Good Luck.
A coworker of mine had some bulged discs in her back and became pregnant with twins. She didn't have any complications due to her back, but she was also seeing a chiropractor before and during pregnancy. She, too, was concerned about delivery, but had a c-section since it was twins.
I haven't had this experience, but have patients that have gone through this. I am a family chiropractor with a pregnancy and pedicatric specialty. You may want to consult with a chiropractic specialist go to www.icpa4kids.org or www.icapediatrics.com to find one near you.
Hope that helps.
