Pregnancy in women with cerebrospinal shunts: a literature review and case report.

Hydrocephalus is a rare condition that was debilitating until silicone tubing, developed in the late 1950s, allowed surgical treatment to be successful. Women successfully treated for hydrocephalus lead full lives including pregnancy and birth. The review of medical literature and the case report that follow reveal 47 cases of pregnancy in women with cerebrospinal shunts. Owing to the rarity of this condition, anecdotal case reports are the only source for learning about how cerebrospinal shunts may be affected by pregnancy. Theoretic concerns that the second stage of labor could be problematic appear to be unfounded. In addition, case reports indicate that decisions regarding mode of delivery, analgesia, and anesthesia should be based on obstetric concerns.