C-section for baby with enlarged ventricles

[Beppie]

Is a cesarean really necessary when the baby has enlarged ventricles in the brain? Someone I know is expecting a baby later this year. She's actually a very crunchy person, but I know she's said that her OB is planning a cesarean b/c her baby has been diagnosed with some brain abnormalities in utero (enlarged ventricles). I feel sad for her because I know she'd rather have a vaginal birth, but I'm not very knowledgeable in this situation.

I was just wondering if a c/s is standard procedure when the baby has this problem? Anyone know?

[Mama Poot]

No experience, but I'm guessing this could be one of those rare situations where a section could be "safer". If the ventricles are enlarged, that could leave the baby vulnerable to aneyurisms and things like that, and being pushed through the birth canal could place enough stress on the head that one of those ventricles could burst.

[OnTheFence]

My SIL last baby had enlarged ventricles in his brain. He also had some other issues towards the end of the pregnancy -- placental and very low amniotic fluid. He was born at 36 weeks by csection.

I can tell you that some baby's ventricles do get smaller before birth but I am not sure what the likely hood of that is.

My SILs baby is doing fine, but he still has the enlarged ventricle. He is developmentally on track and was an excellent nurser.

[crazy_eights]

Originally Posted by Mama Poot

No experience, but I'm guessing this could be one of those rare situations where a section could be "safer". If the ventricles are enlarged, that could leave the baby vulnerable to aneyurisms and things like that, and being pushed through the birth canal could place enough stress on the head that one of those ventricles could burst.

I think you are mistaking vetricles for veins? vessels? Ventricles are the areas that circulate cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, sort of open spaces in the brain.

I wish I had an answer to the OP. Sorry

[majormajor]

my friend's son had this (plus a host of other brain issues), and she only delivered by c/s because he was breech (transverse! turned out she has a bicornate uterus, though). anyway, i'd imagine it depends on how swollen the ventricles are. can't hurt to get a second opinion though, right?

[glamourpup]

I'd be willing to bet that the OP does mean ventricles, my baby has a similar condition (Dandy-Walker syndrome) that leads to increased CSF in the brain. It's not totally decided yet, but there's a good chance we'll do a C-section with him even though I really don't want to. It minimizes the chances of a prolonged labor being hard on him, as well as anyeurism or brain injury in being squeezed through the birth canal. I do think this is one situation where it can be better for the baby, when a condition like this is known before birth.

[crazy_eights]

Originally Posted by glamourpup

I'd be willing to bet that the OP does mean ventricles, my baby has a similar condition (Dandy-Walker syndrome) that leads to increased CSF in the brain.

I think you misunderstood my post. Yes, I think the OP meant ventricles. I didn't think enlarged ventricles could be a cause of aneurysm though? Since it's not pressure on an artery we are talking about. Hmm - very interesting.

[glamourpup]

Ah, sorry about that, yes I think I did misunderstand. I was, however, given the idea that it could lead to brain injury (though maybe not an anyeurism) with the extra pressure of the CSF. Could, of course, not definitely, which is why I haven't 100% decided yet. But if his hydrocephalus increases I'll most likely schedule a section without hesitation.

[LaffNowCryLater]

I gave birth to my son at 40 weeks 2 days and he has enlarged ventricles/hydrocephalus. It is really dependent on the size of the actual head, some get very very large and can be totally impossible to fit through the pelvis. I had to have weekly ultrasounds and I even had an MRI at 7 or 8 months pregnant so they could really tell if he would fit or not.
The goal was for me to go as far as possible -but- not TOO far where his head would indeed be too large to fit, so I got induced and gave birth vaginally once I hit my EDD. I did have an episiotomy to accomodate the largeness of his head.

He had to stay in the hospital longer and had an CT Scan at 3 days old and he is now 4.5 and still has not been shunted b/c his brain has compensated for the blockage in his brain. He does have Cerebral Palsy and has to wear leg braces. He is very very very bright and the light of my life.