Can Postpartum Prolapse Heal Itself?

It is not uncommon for many postpartum people to experience
complications such as pelvic organ prolapse postpartum. Vaginal
and rectal prolapse occur when the supporting muscle and tissue
structures become weakened during pregnancy and
delivery. Despite common belief, prolapse does not only
affect women who have had multiple pregnancies or are outside of
the advised age, but it can also affect many postpartum people as
well. It can be a surprising and shocking experience for many
postpartums to discover they have developed a prolapse after
vaginal birth. However, in some cases, the symptoms will resolve
on their own as their body recovers from delivering their child
or can be managed and healed through exercise and proper
postpartum aftercare.


In this article I hope to address the ways postpartum people can
manage prolapse after childbirth and how you may experience a
full recovery.


How Common is Prolapse After Childbirth?


The truth is, your pelvic floor and uterine wall experience a lot
of stress during your pregnancy. In many cases,
people will begin experiencing the complications of prolapse and
other pregnancy related issues before they deliver their child. A
stressful or complicated delivery is not always the culprit for
POP or DR. As your child continues to grow within you, the
supporting tissues and muscle structures are strained, which can
lead to you experiencing complications even before birth.
However, it is common for many people to become aware of these
issues postpartum. The weakness in the pelvic region can cause
some of your pelvic organs (bladder, bowel, uterus) to slip out
into the vaginal or rectal walls. Despite many people
experiencing resolved symptoms as they continue to heal after
their delivery, many may still experience future complications.
Some of the most common types of pelvic organ prolapse include:


Uterine prolapse –uterine prolapse involves prolapse
of the cervix and uterus down into the vagina


Bladder prolapse (cystocele) -involves a prolapsed
bladder into the front wall of the vagina


Bowel prolapse (rectocele) is the prolapse of the
vagina into the back wall of the vagina or rectum.


In some cases, these prolapses may coexist. Example: you may
experience both a uterine prolapse and bladder prolapse at the
same time.


Is it Normal to Have a Slight Prolapse After Giving Birth?


In short, it is not uncommon for people to experience a prolapse
after giving birth. As you undergo the many hormonal changes,
physical strain and stress, and the weight of your child can
weaken the supportive tissues and muscles in your pelvic floor –
causing the organs to shift and become misaligned.


Along with the hormonal and physical demands pregnancy can place
on your body, a vaginal delivery can also contribute to pelvic
prolapse as well. The stretching and straining of the pelvic
muscles beyond their limits can significantly compromise the
strength and functionality of the pelvic region. Over-stretching
can leave scarring and nerve damage resulting in damaged tissues
and muscle structures – leading to pelvic organ alignment issues
and can cause them to shift downward into the vagina.


There are a host of factors that can contribute to various forms
of pelvic organ prolapse. Some of the most common include:


A traumatic delivery

Baby’s birth weight

Pelvic floor muscle weakness

Chronic straining during bowel movements, constipation

Chronic coughing

Multiple pregnancies, deliveries



How is Postpartum Prolapse Treated?


There are many options out there to help you recover from
postpartum pelvic organ prolapse. It is important that after your
delivery (once you’ve received clearance by your medical
professional), to begin a form of postpartum rehab. Offerings can
range between physical therapy, physiotherapy, or movement
specialists (Restore Your Core). In many cases, you would treat
this condition as you would any other physical injury: REST and
light movement.