What is recommanded? Im really nervous about my AVM could bleed during birth. Should I have a c-section?
Before I knew about my AVM I had 2 children via c-section. At my visit to my OB/GYN after my bleed my doctor told me there would have been a real risk of a bleed had I not had a c-section. Make sure you OB knows about your AVM and discuss your concerns with him/her. They will be best able to advise you. And congrats on your pregnancy!
Thank you:) didnt know about my AVM before my last pregnancy, but luckally the labor went fine:) but now, since I know about it, I think im going to require C-section no matter what the OB says, have an appointment next week btw. It’s really scary to think about what could happen during labor if it start to bleed or I get a serious migraineattack:o
Hi Hege and congratulations,
I agree with what Trish said. It's very important that all of your drs know about your avm. Even though I'm not experienced in this matter, me being a man and all (smiles). I would think a c-section is the safest way to go.... There is way too much pressure and strain put on a woman's body during the delivery. And.. to go through that with an AVM. If I were your husband, I WOULD BE a nervous wreck. I would also consult your surgeon and/or your neurologist about it and see what he/she says. Perhaps they could be involved or at least on standby, if they were to be needed. I pray not but, I like to cover all of my grounds (smiles).
Ben
Thank you:) yes I had a talk with my boyfriend and we both agree, I really dont have a choice. Im going for a c-section. Wonder what the OB and doctors says next week, hope I dont have to “fight” to get my way. Dont have the energy. Heard its not that easy to get a c-section, hopefully its different in my case. Cross my fingers:p
Congrats on the pregnancy!
I agree with what everyone here has said, talk to your docs about it and hopefully they will agree to a C-section.
I am not too sure how it is in Norway but I know here in the USA if you are considered a high risk pregnancy (which I think someone with an AVM would be considered) they will usually suggest having a C-section to reduce the risk of any labor complications.
Thank you Lindsay:) I dont know how it works here in Norway either, but I will know on thursday, next week. An update will come after my appointment:)
Hi Hege,
As further corroboration to other comments: my AVM burst at age 53 in 2011. When I mentioned I had 2 children, one of the therapists commented that she was surprised my AVM had not burst during childbirth. So then I told her they were both emergency C-sections and she said that since I did not push, that's why my AVM had not burst. Best of luck to you for an easy birth and a happy, healthy baby.
Susan
You may wish to join this sub-group…http://www.avmsurvivors.org/group/pregnancyandavm
I cannot wait to see pics of the new baby on here!
Ben, you're a guy? Really? Are you sure that Ben is not short for Barbara? lol. Great advice for a very scary situation btw.
Congrats on the baby are definitely in order and I'm chiming in on that with everyone else. I agree that doctors should know about AVMs but from the discussions I've read on her, most do not. While I'm not a doctor, I have to agree on the potential for disaster with all the pushing. Yup, have a C-section. My sis did with her two kids and LOVED not having to push. Better safe than sorry.
But I did deliver my daughter (now 22) vaginally and it involved a lot of pushing... From what I remember (not much, thank gawd) there was no bleed... Hmmmm. Wait a minute, maybe she was the one responsible for the AVM... what a horrible thought. Let's not tell her my suspicions.
Joined:)
Shhhhh... don't give away my secret. (Laughing)
Ben :)
Thank you guys for nice congrats, and also great support, advice, personal experience etc:) Im “excited” to know what they recommend here in Norway, compared to USA or other countries. Tried to “google” it, but its minimal with information or “cases” in Norway. Since they discovered my AVM, I have never gotten any “warnings” or any kind of information about AVM and pregnancy. In my last maternity checkup my doctor started to think about the delivery, and she sent an referal to the OB. Before this, the thought havent crossed my mind, about risks and all that.
So, I hope it goes well on thursday:)
Hi everyone. A little update… Talked to the OB today, who told me the neurosurgen have disided for me to have c-section. So now I can relax a little bit and just look forward to the little one comes(12.08.2013)
That's good news, Hege!
Just saw this post and I was going to say c-section. I had my first vaginally but it was before we knew about my vm. With my first I had a 4th degree tear and they think it could partly have been because of the malformation in that area. So with my second they automatically said c-section. Crazy part is we almost didn't make it to the hospital in time! She came so fast that between my first contraction and getting to the hospital less than two hours later I was 7cm. Thankfully my doctors had made notes which the hospital could access (not sure how all that works) explicitly saying I needed to have a section. They rushed me in to make sure I could avoid a vaginal delivery and the potential bleed from having one.
Best of luck to you!
I had 5 natural (no epidural, no pain meds) births 96,97,01,02 and 04 without any knowledge of my avm. My neuro's were a little baffled that I have never had a bleed during or after but I think that adds to the mystery of how these AVM's work. the best of luck to you enjoy your pregnancy and the miracle you have been given.
Before I knew about mine, I have 3 vaginal deliveries with NO problems whatsoever. In fact, I had 3 very healthy pregnancies and 3 very healthy babies.
Wow...5 natural deliveries in one post and 3 in another... hmmm... I'm glad for the C-section Hege but it does make you wonder...
This is a really important thread, and I'm glad you began it, Hege. Clearly, more information is needed on this subject, and any member reporting her personal experiences with delivery can help our understanding. :)