Exploring Abdominal Repair During C-Section with EDS Type III
Hello everyone! I'm a woman in my mid-thirties, currently 36.5 weeks pregnant and dealing with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome type III. My baby is measuring quite large—over the 97th percentile, and thankfully, I don’t have gestational diabetes. This is my second pregnancy, and I stand at 5'11" weighing 199 pounds at this point. My abdomen appears significantly larger than it did in my first pregnancy due to the baby's size. If I subsequently require a cesarean section, whether because of complications or the baby's size, I am interested in having my abdominal muscles repaired during the procedure. I've encountered varying information while researching the pros and cons of repairing diastasis recti. While I acknowledge the risks involved, I've come across many encouraging opinions, especially when going beyond merely suturing the fascia and fat. Since I've had to switch health care providers due to relocating, I've learned that in my previous system, it was typical to perform comprehensive repairs during surgery. However, at my new healthcare facility, they seem reluctant, emphasizing risks that I do not find particularly alarming. With my recent EDS diagnosis, I'm increasingly concerned about the possibility of my abdominal separation not healing adequately on its own. This could further aggravate my already vulnerable pelvic floor, which faced challenges after my first delivery. Therefore, I’ve requested that they consider performing the repair if a cesarean is necessary. I’m curious about the actual risks involved: Are they genuinely as significant as they’re portrayed? Is there a greater advantage for individuals like me with EDS type III? Does your practice typically carry out these repairs? Are they being overly cautious? Is there a potential factor I might be overlooking? Additionally, I’m worried about the financial implications of any complications, especially since it’s possible my insurance may not cover the necessary medical procedures. Given the anticipated challenges of rehabilitating my pelvic floor and avoiding further prolapse issues after my first delivery, I want to maximize my prospects for a successful recovery. I've been informed that if I reach full term—especially considering the current dilation of my cervix—there’s an elevated risk of complications like shoulder dystocia. I would greatly appreciate any insights, experiences, or perspectives you might share! Thank you!
Alice Lee
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Considering Abdominal Repair During C-Section with EDS Type III: Seeking Insight
Hello everyone, I’m a woman in my mid to late 30s, currently 36.5 weeks into my second pregnancy. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Type III) and my baby is already measuring above the 97th percentile (no gestational diabetes detected). Standing at 5’11” and weighing 199 pounds, my belly is noticeably larger this time compared to my first pregnancy. I’m contemplating abdominal repair during my scheduled C-section, especially since it may become necessary due to the baby’s size or potential complications. I’ve encountered a variety of opinions regarding the procedure—specifically whether to address diastasis recti—and while there are concerns about risks, I’ve also come across numerous benefits, particularly if the procedure goes beyond just stitching the fascia and includes additional supportive work. After moving, I had to change healthcare providers. Previously, my first delivery included extensive repairs, but my current provider has informed me that they don’t typically perform such repairs, citing risks that don't appear to be substantial. Given my recent EDS diagnosis, I’m particularly worried that my condition could prevent the natural healing of diastasis recti, leading to further issues with my already compromised pelvic floor. Consequently, I’ve requested that they consider the repair if a C-section is necessary. I’m curious—are the risks genuinely significant? Are there specific advantages for patients with EDS Type III? Is this type of repair a standard practice in your facility, or is there resistance that seems unwarranted? Is there anything critical that I might be overlooking? Additionally, I’m anxious about the prospect of facing complications post-surgery while also navigating financial concerns, especially if this procedure isn’t covered by insurance. I already anticipate challenges with my pelvic floor recovery from previous issues, including the possibility of exacerbating any prolapses. I’ve also been informed that reaching full term—if that happens, given that I’ve begun to dilate and my cervix is significantly effaced—could lead to heightened risks of damage and complications such as shoulder dystocia. Any insights, personal experiences, or different perspectives would be immensely valuable and greatly appreciated!
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Considering Abdominal Repair During C-Section with EDS Type III
Greetings! I am a woman in my mid-to-late 30s, currently 36.5 weeks into my pregnancy. I have been diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome type III, and my baby is already measuring above the 97th percentile, without gestational diabetes. This marks my second pregnancy, and at 5'11” tall and weighing 199 pounds, I’ve noticed that my belly is considerably larger compared to my first pregnancy. If a cesarean section becomes necessary due to the baby's size or any complications, I am interested in the possibility of having my abdominal muscles repaired during the procedure. My research has led to conflicting information about the benefits and risks associated with repairing diastasis recti. However, I have encountered numerous positive accounts that suggest advantages beyond just reconnecting the fascia and addressing any excess fat. Since relocating, I’ve had to switch healthcare providers. In my previous system, it was routine to perform complete repairs during a C-section, but my current provider has indicated otherwise, citing risks that seem relatively low to me. Given my recent EDS diagnosis, I am particularly worried that my condition may increase the likelihood of my diastasis recti not healing properly, which would further complicate my already weak pelvic floor. I have expressed my desire for a repair if a C-section becomes necessary. Are the potential risks genuinely significant? For those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome type III, is there a greater advantage to obtaining this repair? Is this standard practice in your expertise? I feel as if there may be excessive resistance from my healthcare team regarding this issue. Are there any other aspects I should be contemplating? Additionally, I am concerned about the possibility of incurring out-of-pocket expenses for treatments related to this issue, especially since some insurance plans may not cover it. I anticipate facing a challenge with the recovery of my pelvic floor, especially to prevent exacerbating any previous prolapses from my first pregnancy. I genuinely want to optimize my chances for a successful recovery. Moreover, I have been informed that as I approach full term—especially since I have already begun to dilate and my cervix is nearly effaced—I face heightened risks of damage and an increased likelihood of shoulder dystocia. Any insights, experiences, or perspectives you can share would be immensely valued and appreciated!
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Considerations for Abdominal Repair During C-Section with EDS Type III
Hello everyone! I'm currently in my late 30s, about to welcome my second child at 36.5 weeks into my pregnancy, and my little one is already measuring above the 97th percentile—thankfully, no gestational diabetes on my radar. Standing tall at 5'11" and weighing 199 lbs, I've noticed my belly is significantly larger this time around compared to my first pregnancy. Given the possibility of needing a cesarean delivery due to the baby's size or other complications, I’m interested in having my abdominal muscles repaired during the procedure. I’ve come across conflicting information regarding the repair of diastasis recti, with some discussions around the risks involved. However, there seems to be a lot of encouraging information suggesting positive outcomes when going beyond just suturing the fascia and addressing some fat layers. After relocating, I've had to change my healthcare provider. At my previous facility, it was customary to repair the abdominal muscles during a c-section, but this new one has a different approach, expressing concerns about risks that seem relatively modest. With my recent EDS type III diagnosis, I’m worried that my history of loose connective tissue may hinder the natural healing of diastasis recti. This worry extends to the condition of my already compromised pelvic floor, so I’ve expressed to my healthcare team the importance of addressing this during the c-section if it becomes necessary. I have a few questions: Are the associated risks as significant as they claim? Is there a specific benefit for someone with EDS type III? Is this type of repair standard practice at your facilities, or do you feel there may be undue hesitance regarding it? Am I overlooking any critical factors? Additionally, I’m concerned about pursuing an out-of-pocket solution for a medical issue that might not be covered by some insurance plans. I am already preparing for the challenge of recovering my pelvic floor and managing any complications from my first delivery, so I want to create the best conditions possible for healing. I've also been informed that, by full term, my chances of sustaining damage and experiencing heightened risks of shoulder dystocia are notably elevated as I’ve initiated the dilation process and my cervix is largely effaced. Any insights, experiences, or opinions you can share will be genuinely appreciated! Thank you!