Can patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a vaginal delivery?

Generally, whether a patient with ankylosing spondylitis can have a vaginal delivery depends on the control status of the condition. If the condition has remained stable for a long time without severe spinal deformities, hip joint lesions, or other complications, and if the fetal position is normal and the mother's pelvis meets the requirements for vaginal delivery, vaginal delivery may usually be considered appropriate. However, if the condition is severe, with significant spinal stiffness and deformity, limited hip joint mobility, or abnormal fetal conditions, vaginal delivery typically is not suitable. A detailed explanation is as follows:

If the patient's ankylosing spondylitis is well-controlled, with no significant pain or mobility limitations in daily life, and with nearly normal spinal and hip joint function, and if routine prenatal examinations indicate a normally positioned fetus with appropriate weight and a maternal pelvis size meeting the requirements for vaginal delivery, a vaginal delivery may be attempted after safety has been evaluated and confirmed by a physician.

If the patient's condition hasn't been effectively controlled, with complications such as severe kyphotic spinal deformity or hip joint fusion, which prevent the mother from maintaining the necessary positions for vaginal delivery, or if fetal abnormalities such as abnormal fetal position or intrauterine distress occur, attempting vaginal delivery may increase the risk of spinal injury and difficult labor for the mother and could threaten the safety of the fetus.

To enhance safety during pregnancy, patients with ankylosing spondylitis should take proper care before conception and throughout pregnancy. Before pregnancy, the condition should be stabilized. During pregnancy, regular prenatal check-ups and disease monitoring are necessary, and medication should be adjusted according to medical advice.