Hi there
I’m just wondering if anyone has had any experience in birthing with an avm! This is my 3rd baby and my avm avm was diagnosed at 25 weeks through ultrasound. My aneurysm measured at 3.6 cm on diagnosis and is now just over 5cm. Today is the first time I really got anyone to listen to my concerns about birthing and the head gyno has ordered a meeting with the radiologist to discuss my case as he now believes there is a chance if rupture if I birth naturally!
I have had circulation issues in my right leg and just come up with a fluidy mass on my right hip, I get an ultrasound on Friday to have a look at it.
I am feeling intuitively that things will be ok, but sometimes human nature allows anxiety to creep in. My baby is doing well, he is measuring 2 weeks behind but they have monitored him closely and are intent that he’s doing ok which is so important!
I realise that having an avm in the groin that stretches about 17cm is rare, and not nearly as serious as having one in your brain, but I have no idea what I’m dealing with, I can’t really have testing done to properly locate it until baby is born.
Any insight would be awesome!
My doc has told me to watch out for rupture from now until birth does anyone know what I should look out for? Will it be identifiable pain?
Thanks so much it’s so nice to find a network of people to talk it out with, I have a beautiful family but my partner struggled to give me the emotional support I need as he works away 3 weeks of every month and I tend to turn to friends instead as they are always there for me!
Hi Bree, I too have an AVM in my groin/pelvis and although I’ve only just been diagnosed Ithink I had this when pregnant and that it was misdiagnosed at that time (first pregnancy they said the mass was a hernia and second pregnancy they said it was varicosities). I had a natural birth second time and therefore think that I had the AVM at that time. I can’t offer any advice about birthing with one (and had I known what I had I probably wouldn’t have gone down the homebirth route) but I not really sure what the risks would have been. It was a tricky birth but for unrelated reasons I think. I wish you and your baby all the best.
AVMs outside of the brain rarely rupture, unless the skin is broken down. They do often get worse during pregnancy however. After you give birth, the AVM may decrease in size, stay the same, or continue to progress. If it did rupture, you would notice swelling, bruising and pain. Other problems that can happen during pregnancy include formation of blood clots in the draining veins and, in the groin area, pressure on the veins in your leg. If you're not already, you should consider wearing elastic compression stockings. If you notice any hard areas in the AVM, you should notify your doctor.
Hi! I have an avm in left buttock area and have had two very successful pregnancies. I’m 29 and thinking about my third now . I have embolization done for 4 years now. I don’t know much but yours seems small
Almost 7 yrs ago now I had a beautiful baby boy while having AVM in my brain. I could not have him natural. At least my neuro wanted me to have a C-section, he did not want the pressure of pushing rupturing my AVM. Every doctor agreed, but one. Boy am I glad he wasn't the doctor doing my C-section. His comment was, if you were my patient I'd let you go naturally. It's not different then if you're holding your breath to swim or pushing to poop. Hmmm, I think I'd beg to differ. Though your situation is different then mine, and most likely you will be fine, it's nice to voice your concerns and know everything. For your safety and the babies. Keep us posted and let us know how it all goes. Though we may not have the answers we are hear to listen! ;-)
I think that you are doing exactly what you need to be doing. Getting your doctors to understand that someone needs to think things through before you go into labor. Is there an AVM expert on hand at the hospital where you will be giving birth? You probably wont need one, but a 'what if' plan should be in place to ensure your safety.
I do not know how birth would influence the chance of rupture. But as you already know pregnancy has caused your AVM to grow. Whether from hormones or increased blood volume, or whatever, it is growing. And this will have a direct impact on how the AVM affects you in the future. I had 3 natural births (2 at home) and would never recommend a C section lightly..but perhaps you need to have a conversation with your AVM specialist about the long term effects of the impacts this pregnancy and upcoming delivery may have on your AVM. Would a c section keep it from growing more as well as decrease the chance of rupture during birth? You need to get all of the facts so that you can make the best decision for you and your family. Good luck to you!
I am 34 weeks pregnant with my first child and have an type 2 spinal AVM. I had a rupture more than 3 years ago and had 1 embolization a year after.
I have complete trust with my doctors… here I have to explain I have 3 neurologists as I have been moving a lot with my husband bec of work. Not easy but we have managed to find good specialists who know what they are doing… that being said, they all agree that a C section is best, as indeed the pressure during labor may cause a rupture. I may have to pass up the opportunity to experience giving birth wide awake as I may not even be able to handle an epidural due to my avm being located inside my spinal cord.
it isn’t perfect and not what I imagined giving birth would be, but in this situation I do think it is best not to take risks when it comes to the avm. I would also suggest to have a C section delivery, and to see if your neurologist or at least someone he can recommend can be present during delivery. I just think you can never be too prepared!
As for symptoms, I had the same concern as you and worried that I will have another hemorrhage because of the pregnancy. Just take it easy and listen to your body. Nothing too strenuous and just be extra careful. you would wanna look out for numbness and weakness in your leg, bloating and extraordinary pain.
You are doing great, and I wish you a wonderful pregnancy!!!
I have an AVM in my pelvis and was wrapped all around my uterus. The dr found it then 1 week later we found out I was pregnant with my 3rd child. It was def scary. They had told me under no circumstances would a c section be a good idea. I had 2 other non complicated pregnancies and I had no idea about the AVM then. Delivered them fine so I really wasn’t worried. However, I guess with each pregnancy the AVM grew. I developed a blood clot in my left leg from my groin to my knee, bed rest for 13 weeks, then of course needed a c section. The did a vertical incision and it went just fine. I then had treatment for the AVM 2 years later! I don’t want to scare you, but it definitely wasn’t easy or uncomplicated. God was good and faithful and I know had His hand on me. Good luck!
Gosh Thankyou all so so much for sharing your experiences with me you have no idea how much I appreciate it! It’s turns out that time is no longer on hand for us, we found out today that baby is not progressing and they have booked me in to be induced on Sunday night. The gyno is willing to take the risk of rupture and feels I have a better chance at natural then c section and to be honest with u I just want my baby out now so he has the chance to thrive. I will have to put my trust in The Lord on this one and go with my gut instincts which has helped me find peace in all of this! I’m nervous and excited I’ve had 2 completely natural deliveries but never an induction, I’m nowhere near prepared for this baby lol but I’ve got a day to wrap my head around it! Thankyou again for everything you’ve shared,…here’s to a rupture free delivery!!! I will update you on how it all ends up!!
Hi ladies I just wanted to touch base and let you know I have birth to my baby boy this arvo it was a very quick induced labour and he was born happy and healthy. There was a huge knot in his cord which caused him to stop growing, we we’re told later on by the paediatrics that most babies die from that!!! Feeling super grateful today for the life of my child!! As for the avm from what I can tell there are no ruptures but I’ll have an ultrasound to double check tomorrow!!! Thankyou all for your words of wisdom I’m so completely grateful
Congrats Bree! He truly is a miracle. God bless you all and may all go well with your ultrasound tomorrow. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! Take care. :)
you would wanna look out for numbness and weakness in your leg, bloating and extraordinary pain.