Dear larkin:

sorry to hear about your hip problems. I had a slipped epiphysis when I was 12, led to a partial, then a total hip replacement when I was 23. Don't know if this helps or not, but i'm now 43 and have had two beautiful children -- no birth defects of any kind, and I had never heard of that before from any of my docs. I had my first child at age 37, 2nd at age 39, and no problem w/my hip w/either pregnancy.

I'm actually facing a total hip revision in two months, because of my young age of my first total (and remember, that was more than 20 years ago -- totals are so much more advanced and long lasting now)! For me, until about the last 6 months, i've had great range of motion (couldn't sit completely cross-legged on the floor, but close), no pain, and very little limp once hip healed. I've also been pretty active -- lots of walking, stairmaster, reasonable weight training, biking, etc.

Good luck -- you will most likely be amazed at the result of your new hip (hips?) and they will last you a good long time if you take care of them -- no impact sports, and try to keep your weight reasonable.