British Columbia Perinatal Health Program

can a mother with hydrocephalus have a natural birth if she have a shunt draining into the perinatal cavity?

I had brain surgery last year and a doctor in philadelphia placed a ventricular shunt going through the brain and draining into the abdomin. I want to be pregnant, but am worried about the risks?

Public Comments

1. There a few things to keep in mind. First, I doubt that the hydrocephulus or VP shunt would be a problem during the pregnancy. However there is a chance that the tubing may malfunction ie stop draining during the pregnancy given that everything gets pushed around inside you abdominal cavity. Second, the major dilemma with pregnancy, VP shunts, and your underlying condition is childbirth. If you are planning a vaginal delivery, the pushing can potentially increase intracranial pressure which potentially cause problems. In addition, remember that by pushing you are increasing intra abdominal pressure and that can decrease the flow of the VP shunt. In general, (I would talk to your neurosurgeon and perineonatalogist or high risk ob doctor about it), I think a C-section would be safer. what type of hydrocephalus do you have?
2. Hi, I am twenty-seven years old and have had a VP shunt my entire life. Three-and-a-half years ago, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I delivered vaginally and had no shunt-related complications. As others have said, pregnancy and birth will increase your intercranial pressure (especially when pushing).