ask: Does degenerative disc disease mean I shouldn't get pregnant?
I just turned 40. I also just got diagnosed with degenerative disc disease in my lower back, which sometimes barely bothers me at all but sometimes causes severe lower back pain.
I'm in physical therapy now to strengthen my core muscles etc. to help with my back.
Does this diagnosis mean that I should not get pregnant?
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Hi Ciaracat!
Thanks for your question!
Unless there is a medical reason (that you don't know about) why you shouldn't have kids, then there should be no reason for someone with DDD to try for a baby!
Many women enjoy great pregnancies with DDD - others do need to take precautions in terms of activity, weight gain and pain control. Others may need some bed rest in their third trimester. If you are generally healthy, then there should be no immediate concern - but it does depend on the severity of your DDD so you would really have to talk to your doctor about your options.
Keep up your physical therapy and talk to your doctor very soon about your pregnancy options - while many women get pregnant quite easily after 40, you may find that turning 40 is more of an issue in terms of getting and staying pregnant than your DDD.
Read more on our DDD page here : http://www.empowher.com/condition/degenerative-disc-disease
Will you please look into this soon and let us know what your position is? I do hope you have a baby-in-the-belly as soon as you can, and just make sure that your own particular case of DDD is taken into account.
I can't wait for an update and wish you the best!
Susan
June 11, 2010 - 1:30pmThis Comment
I am 36yrs old and I too am contemplating a baby and my mri revealed DDD, disc protrusions, 3 torn discs and arthritis. However the ortho doc I went to said there was nothing wrong??? Could it be bc I have a "medicaid doctor", should I get a second opinion? I've had 3 accidents and I was a prof dancer for 12 years. I am in pain daily and worry that I may not be able to carry a baby to full term. Any advice? Meg
August 31, 2010 - 9:58amI'm 25 years old and i was recently diagnosed with ddd and chronic pain syndrome. and was just thinking that with this disorder i might not be able to have children but with the information i have read here i see that it might be a possibility. but i have as of yet found a regiment of meds or a treatment that helps more than a little. according to my Dr. i have one treatment before he sends me to a surgeon for help. a discectomy is my last option and from what i know it's very painful and i'm weighing that fact with seeing a surgeon. any advice?
January 28, 2012 - 12:47amHi Anon!
I'm glad you realize that pregnancy is possible!
Our best advice to you is to wait and see what works for you since your diagnosis is recent and it'll take time to find a regime that works for you. Get a second opinion if you think it'll help and take your time to weigh the pros and cons of surgery, like you said.
I hope women here who have had this surgery read this post and can give you their input.
Best,
~Susan
February 8, 2012 - 10:32amHi I am 28 years old. I got my MRi results last week and according to my doctor. I have DDD. yesterday I made my first theraphy and 11 more to go. I am afraid of not getting pregnant. I am planning to get married soon. Please advice me some treament about this. Thank you
April 14, 2012 - 2:08amHi Anon
Welcome to EmpowHER!
Can you tell us what treatment you need information on? Your therapist should be explaining it all to you - or are you looking for pregnancy information? Have you talked with your doctor about it?
We hope to hear back from you!
Susan
April 19, 2012 - 9:05am