Pregnancy in thoracic scoliosis.

We present information about 118 pregnancies in 64 patients with thoracic scoliosis, two-thirds of whom had curves in excess of 60 degrees. Although increased breathlessness was experienced in 17% of pregnancies, no serious cardiorespiratory problems were encountered. Increased black pain occurred in 21% of pregnancies. Spontaneous vaginal delivery was achieved in 65% of pregnancies and caesarean section was performed in 17%. Operative delivery was almost invariably for purely obstetric indications. We conclude that even in severe thoracic scoliosis, pregnancy and labour are not associated with serious cardiorespiratory complications.