What are some of the Ob/Gyn issues in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?

All patients should see a geneticist to determine the specific type of EDS that they have, but patients considering pregnancy must receive genetic counseling so that they can make informed decisions. In addition to concern about passing EDS on to a child, a woman with EDS has an increased risk of miscarriage, premature rupture of membranes, premature births, cervical incompetence, and pre-mature labor. During pregnancy there is an increase in the hormone, Relaxin,. The Relaxin cause the connective tissue to become more loose, thus increasing joint laxity perinatally. This can be so severe that walking is impossible; and postpartum complications. Some forms of EDS can cause serious complications such as bleeding tearing during childbirth. Those with Vascular Type also face the possibility of uterine rupture and hysterectomy. In connection with a natural delivery, several women with EDS have experienced incontinence, weak pelvic floor, prolapse of the uterus, sprained joints of the pelvis, separation of the symphysis pubis (the joint between the two pubic bones in the frontal lower part of the pelvis), and rupture of the rectal musculature. Some doctors recommend a cesarean section so that the mother's fragile tissue and/or pelvis are not strained.In connection with the planning of a delivery the doctor and the woman should discuss advantages and disadvantages of a natural delivery compared to a cesarean section.