Broken ankle = c/sec?

[JorgieGirl]

Any more professionally minded, or experienced mamas have an opinion on this? If one suffers a broken ankle a few months before one's EDD does that mean looking at a cesarean as a possibility?

(Note: not me, someone I know has been given this dx)

[mamabadger]

Why, because she could not run away from the OB fast enough?

[Kidzaplenty]

[memiles]

I know a woman who gave birth vaginally with a broken femur that happened only a week before delivery. It may effect her mobility during labor, but her ankle sure as heck doesn't effect her uterus!

[soso-lynn]

I'm sure this is a true story but I can't help but laugh at how absurd it sounds. I can picture the serious looking OB saying: "With this broken ankle, you will never be able to give birth vaginally. We will schedule a c-section and save your baby's life."

It is even more strange considering that most hospital births occur with people holding up the mother's legs...

[AlexisT]

Hip, pelvis, back, sure.

Ankle? If it's not fully healed, you may not be allowed to walk around (liability, they don't want you injuring yourself more). But that's it. The ankle is really not involved in childbirth.

[beckyand3littlemonsters]

omg seriousley has someone actually been told they'll need a c-section because they have a broken ankle : i must be becoming delusional because i'm pretty sure the ankle doesn't actually play a part in child birth.

[Bluegoat]

I knew a woman who broke her ankle and had a section, but there were complications involved I believe, related to needing a surgery and clotting or infection.

So I can imagine how it could make a difference, but I wouldn't be inclined to think it would be a big factor in most cases. I'd be interested to hear the doctors explanation.

[thefreckledmama]

Definitely not with the break happening a few MONTHS before birth. I can't logically think of why a broke ankle would have any effect on a vaginal birth. In my 3 previous births, my legs were always supported at the knee, and my calves/feet just kind of dangled.

Jeez, the crap docs will come up with to push a c-section.

[TzippityDoulah]

Originally Posted by mamabadger

Why, because she could not run away from the OB fast enough?

yep, that's the only reason!

[*Erin*]

Originally Posted by mamabadger

Why, because she could not run away from the OB fast enough?

truly!

[rainbowmoon]

No I don't think a broken ankle is indication for a c/s.

[ber]

Originally Posted by mamabadger

Why, because she could not run away from the OB fast enough?

[tireesix]

I had a dodgy ankle in two of my pregnancies due to bust ligaments etc, not the same as broken but it did kinda get difficult during pregnancy due to the extra strain. I talked to my doc about it though and I was prescribed an ankle brace and had an op to fix everything after the pregnancy.

So, I guess they might be concerned as to how the ankle will hold up during pregnancy and maybe position changes during birth, especially with us being all extra bendy and stuff but there are some excellent supports and braces available now that should be more than suitable.

I am totally baffled otherwise

[rsummer]

The only thing I could think of is there most be more to the story... like did she end up with a DVT and require anticoagulation that must be monitored or something... If not, ummm, I guess I don't get it.

[JorgieGirl]

Yeah, I didn't get much out of her other than she feels it's appropriate. She's a neighbor of mine who's had two children already vaginally, but the way she talks (and this is just me speculating here, so I could be wrong) it sounds like she is enjoying the special treatment and is milking it. She didn't seem at all concerned, and almost even proud. Her older two are in school and she stays at home. Maybe she thinks it will be a vacation?

Makes me wonder how the c/sec was presented to her by her OB. I'd really love to have heard that conversation.

Anyway, it had been awhile since I'd heard something that took me so aback. Thought I'd share.

[GoBecGo]

Well if she doesn't mind then it's probably irrelevant anyway. Perhaps she secretly hoped for a csection for some other reason and this is her happy outcome...?

I cannot think of a medical reason based on what you've said so far to think a csection is necessary or a good idea, but then maybe the cast for her ankle goes right up to her pubic hair, so a c-section is the only option :

[rainbowmoon]

Maybe you could present her with the facts on potential complications of a c/s. They are no picnic and can cause lifelong problems in fact..(infection, pancreatitis, sliced bladder, residual pain,etc)

A vacation. ha! She won't even be able to bend over without pain to pick up her baby!

Originally Posted by JorgieGirl

Yeah, I didn't get much out of her other than she feels it's appropriate. She's a neighbor of mine who's had two children already vaginally, but the way she talks (and this is just me speculating here, so I could be wrong) it sounds like she is enjoying the special treatment and is milking it. She didn't seem at all concerned, and almost even proud. Her older two are in school and she stays at home. Maybe she thinks it will be a vacation?

Makes me wonder how the c/sec was presented to her by her OB. I'd really love to have heard that conversation.

Anyway, it had been awhile since I'd heard something that took me so aback. Thought I'd share.

[dachshundqueen]

Well when pregnant I broke my pinky toe in three places and dislocated it 120 degrees - required setting three times and never did heal properly. (Broke it again later, and it was finally properly set.) I was on crutches, then an aircast boot for 3 months during my pregnancy. I was never told I'd need to have my baby surgically extracted by medical professionals.

Liz

[prancie]

After knowing 2 people who had horrible c-section complications I would NEVER opt for a c-sec for anything but the most dire circumstances. Both of these ladies' c-secs were unnecessary btw.