Does scoliosis make labor harder? also does it make it harder putting the epidural shot in straight?

Epidural: If you have had surgery for the scoliosis, it can be hard to put the epidural in. If you have not had surgery, most of the time there is little change in the success rate of epidurals. You may have more back pain during pregnancy and after delivery, but I do not think it should make delivery more difficult.

It depends: A mild degree of scoliosis should not be a problem. It usually affects the upper (thoracic) part of the spine, and the lower (lumbar) portion may be normal. However, a more severe degree of scoliosis may require surgery such as harrington rods. If this has been done, an epidural may not be possible. Consult an anesthesiologist before labor for more information.

Probably: Doing an epidural or spinal is usually more difficult if the curve is > 15 degrees. There are special tricks that not all anesthesiologist know or have experience in doing. A paramedian type technique imay be more successful since the entrance space is larger. Get and exam and find one who knows the tricks, has been sucessful (ask how many done like you- success rate) and can use ultrasound.

Yes: Yes, the epidural may be more difficult, but can usually be done without problems. Scoliosis, unless extremely severe, should have little effect on the actual labor.

Yes: I am not aware of any studies associating scoliosis with difficult labor, though i can imagine extreme cases causing problems. The epidural will be more difficult due to the rotation of the spine and off-center location since the needle will need to find a straight path. If you are thin enough to have easily-felt vertebrae, it will improve the chance of success, though not guarantee it.

It can: It can make labor harder due to a shifting and altered angle of the pelvis. Talk to you ob. In the same way it can make labor epidural placement harder. Talk to the anesthesiologist before you go into labor to make an anesthetic plan. My good friend jesse brar is an anesthesiologist in your town.