[camyam73]

I haven't been on in a very long time! I'm now three years post mtbi, and for the most part have very manageable symptoms. As long as I'm not exerting myself beyond my normal daily routine, symptoms are mostly kept at bay. I see a chiropractor and an rmt to help with the whiplash and still existing lower back issues, an OT to help out and make suggestions on how to make life easier, and to help get me things that I need from insurance, a psychotherapist to help keep my stress down, and a kinisiologist to help rebuild my strength slowly.

But I've run out of time in a sense... I'm now 33 weeks pregnant and doubt I'll see a miracle in the next seven weeks that would mean I can tolerate the exertion I would need to deliver naturally...

So my ob (a high risk specialist at a leading hospital in Canada) wants to do an epidural, and a vacuum delivery. Essentially I would do nothing but lie there. I hate the idea of an epidural and am worried about it's effects on my head too. At least exertion is somewhat of a known factor. After questioning what was best, I'm now being referred to a neurologist. I know he will say the best way is the epidural. But I can't find anything online about the effects and risks of an epidural on a concussion, nor any studies on the effects of natural labour on the post concussion head...

I'm frustrated. I feel cheated. This concussion took years from my life and now it's about to steal one more thing. Something that was very important to me... I've already had two kids (older teens) naturally, and was so looking forward to doing it again.

So. Any advice? Experience? Thoughts? I'd appreciate them all.

[Lara]

Hello camyam,
There are so many factors involved including the size and health of the baby and your own health issues, including length of previous labours etc., but I wondered about the extent of your lower back issues. How bad are your lower back issues? Sorry I don't know anything about epidurals and effects on the PCS.