Expert: Dorothy H, LCCE - 5/27/2009

Question
I saw a previous question but my situation is a bit more
complicated. I am a 20 year old female. I was involved in
an auto accident 14 months ago. I suffered multiple pelvic
fractures, among other injuries. I have 2 plates and 10-14
screws/pins inserted on both sides of my lower pelvis. I
was told before leaving the hospital that I would not be
able to have children naturally, being that all of the
hardware would not allow me to dilate. My fiance and I
aren't considering children for at least 4 years. Is there
any way possible that I could have the hardware removed and
have a natural birth? The idea of having a C-section
without it being a "decision" has really bothering me
recently.

Answer
Even though you aren't starting a family anytime soon, I would suggest that you talk to an obstetrician (preferably one with a low cesarean rate) or midwife  about your future birth options with your pelvic fracture -  the doctor at the hospital telling you that the hardware would not allow you to dilate doesn't make sense - your pelvis doesn't dilate, your cervix (opening to the uterus) is what does the dilating. Now there may be other issues that could possibly make a vaginal birth not possible, but dilation would not be the issue.

Again, I would suggest that talking now to an obstetrician or midwife and having them review your x-rays, etc. would give you a better picture of what your options are, even though you are several years away from starting a family.