As in the antenatal period, early physiotherapy based interventions along with early input from the multidisciplinary team may be useful in the management of such complications. They may also be used to galvanise change in perinatal services, whereby educational resources, policies, practices and guidelines are updated to reflect a new reality in which the needs of those childbearing with hEDS/HSD (approximately 1 in 20) are effectively accommodated. We also looked out for books that were no longer relevant, contentious or potentially outdated to ensure our choices reflected the latest medical advice. Healthcare practitioners should be aware of the risk of these potential complications, along with the potential for increased risk of urogenital and pelvic complications such as recurrent urinary tract infections or incontinence, and gynaecological symptoms such as pain or prolapse ( Gilliam et al, 2020). com has been launched hosting a freely downloadable EDS Maternity tool for use in practice, along with an i-learn module hosted by the Royal College of Midwives.

For hEDS/HSD, symptoms more commonly relate to joint, skin and proprioception, such as frequent injuries, sprains, dislocations/subluxations ( Ericson Jr and Wolman, 2017), oromandibular manifestations ( Mitakides and Tinkle, 2017), easy bruising ( Kohn and Chang, 2019), and problems relating to balance or proprioceptive precision ( Clayton et al, 2015; Russek and Errico, 2016). The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable, multisystemic conditions which affect connective tissues throughout the body ( Malfait et al, 2017). In one study observing 13 881 592 births, pregnancies in those with EDS were found to be more likely to be associated with antepartum haemorrhage (OR 1. Turan ÃD, Sabancı S, Özdemir E, Atakul T, Turan Y Is joint hypermobility related to preterm birth? In the medical management of POTS during pregnancy, α1-receptor agonist (midodrine) or beta blockers can be useful ( Ruzieh and Grubb, 2018).As a baby born to a parent with hEDS/HSD has a 50% chance of inheriting it themselves (autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance), it has been suggested that these newborns be thoroughly examined for symptoms of these conditions at birth ( Pradhan et al, 2020).

There’s loads of support after the training too, we have a Facebook group so we can share our experiences and ask questions with other volunteers. In terms of complications for those pregnant with hEDS/HSD, some can experience both high- and low-risk episodes ( Pezaro et al, 2018; 2020). Ahlqvist K, Bjelland EK, Pingel R, Schlager A, Nilsson-Wikmar L, Kristiansson P The association of self-reported generalized joint hypermobility with pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy: a retrospective cohort study. Those with POTS may also experience symptoms such as trouble concentrating, light-headedness, palpitations, fatigue, exercise intolerance, and in severe cases, syncope (fainting) ( Fedorowski et al, 2021). Yet, considering the new approximate figure of 1 in 20 put forward for the proportion of pregnancies affected by hEDS/HSD, cases in maternity services should no longer be considered rare, only rarely diagnosed ( Pezaro et al, 2020).The nine-point Beighton score of joint motion ( Beighton et al, 1973), the more recent lower limb assessment score ( Ferrari et al, 2005), or the self-reported five-part questionnaire, 5PQ, may be used to assess hypermobility ( Schlager et al, 2020). We are coming at you with updated education, busted myths, and information on handling it in a stage of life/health where it’s not oft talked about: pregnancy.