Pregnancy and Scoliosis: What the Latest Research Reveals
Can women with scoliosis have a healthy pregnancy?
That’s a question many women with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) often ask their doctors. A 2023 review published in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine explored this very topic — examining 50 studies involving nearly 8,000 women worldwide to uncover how pregnancy affects scoliosis, and how scoliosis might influence pregnancy outcomes.
What Is Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)?
AIS is the most common type of spinal curvature that develops in otherwise healthy adolescents, especially girls. It’s a three-dimensional spinal deformity that can cause uneven shoulders, hips, or trunk posture.
Treatment ranges from observation and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises to bracing and spinal fusion surgery, depending on curve severity and growth potential.
Since scoliosis primarily affects females during their childbearing years, understanding its relationship with pregnancy is crucial — not only for medical reasons but also to help women make informed choices about family planning.
Can Women with Scoliosis Get Pregnant?
The good news is that most women with scoliosis can conceive and carry pregnancies just like those without the condition.
The review found that pregnancy rates and the number of children per woman were similar across all groups — whether women had surgical correction or were managed conservatively through bracing.
While a few studies noted a slightly higher use of fertility treatments in women who had undergone spinal fusion, researchers believe this may reflect medical caution or unrelated health factors rather than scoliosis itself.
Does Scoliosis Affect Delivery?
When it comes to childbirth, scoliosis doesn’t appear to increase the risk of complications.
Cesarean Section (C-Section) Rates:
Most studies reported that C-section rates among women with scoliosis are comparable to those in the general population. When a higher rate occurred, it was often due to non-scoliosis factors like physician discretion or obstetric recommendations.
Epidural and Spinal Anesthesia:
Some anesthesiologists report that placing an epidural can be more technically challenging in women with spinal curvature or surgical instrumentation. However, the majority of women still achieved successful pain relief. In skilled hands, both epidural and spinal anesthesia remain safe and effective.
In short, scoliosis may require careful planning during labor, but it does not prevent safe or natural childbirth.
Does Pregnancy Make Scoliosis Worse?
One of the biggest concerns women express is whether pregnancy will make their scoliosis worse.
The review provides reassuring news: most women do not experience significant curve progression during or after pregnancy.
While a few cases showed small increases in spinal curvature, these changes were typically mild and not clinically significant.
Back pain was reported more frequently among women with scoliosis, but this is also common among women without scoliosis. In most cases, pain levels were manageable and did not interfere with daily life or postpartum recovery.
Other Findings from the Study
Pregnancy Duration & Birth Outcomes:
Women with scoliosis carried pregnancies to full term, with normal average gestational periods (around 39 weeks).
Complications:
No increased risk of preterm birth, miscarriage, or low-birth-weight infants was found.
Quality of Life:
Women with scoliosis reported similar physical and emotional well-being compared to those without scoliosis.
Back Pain:
Some studies showed mild to moderate back discomfort, especially in women with lower lumbar fusions or larger curves. However, this pain was rarely severe or disabling.
Key Takeaways
- Women with scoliosis can have healthy, full-term pregnancies.
- Fertility and childbirth outcomes are comparable to those of women without scoliosis.
- Epidural anesthesia can still be safely administered, though it may require experienced professionals.
- Curve progression during pregnancy is uncommon and generally mild.
- Back pain may occur but is usually manageable with proper posture, gentle exercise, and chiropractic support.
- Pre-pregnancy spinal imaging and assessment are invaluable, providing a baseline to monitor for any progression, tailor pain management strategies, and customize exercises throughout gestation.
Why This Matters
This comprehensive review highlights an encouraging message: Having scoliosis doesn’t mean you can’t experience a healthy, fulfilling pregnancy.
With proper care and communication between your spine specialist, obstetrician, and anesthesiologist, you can safely navigate pregnancy and delivery.
If you’re planning a pregnancy and have scoliosis, consult a specialist to ensure you have the right guidance, imaging, and care plan. Knowing ahead of time what your spine looks like allows for proactive management, including customized exercises to maintain posture and alleviate pain as your body changes. Specialized centers like the Bay Area Scoliosis Center offer expert support in developing scoliosis-specific exercise programs and pain relief techniques tailored to pregnancy needs, helping you monitor progression concerns and stay comfortable every step of the way. Every woman’s spine and pregnancy journey is unique — and with the right support, scoliosis doesn’t have to hold you back.
Reference
Théroux J, Brown BT, Marchese R, Selby M, Cope V, McAviney J, Beynon A.
“The Impact of Pregnancy on Women with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Scoping Review.”
European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. 2023; 59(4): 505–521.
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.23.08086-3