Postpartum Prolapse Recovery

It is common for many women to experience postpartum
complications like a prolapse. A prolapse happens when a part of
your body (intestines or tissues) bulges or "falls out" into
either the rectum or vagina due to weakened muscles structures
and tissues. Prolapse doesn't only affect mothers outside of the
advised childbearing age, but can also affect new moms as well.
Many young mothers may be surprised or shocked to hear they
developed a prolapse, but it is a very common postpartum
condition, especially post-vaginal birth. Managing a prolapse -
whether it be a vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse, bladder
prolapse, or other kind of pelvic organ prolapse - can add to the
emotional and physical stress many new mothers may already be
facing.


However, it is possible to heal from a prolapse and make a full
recovery! In this article I hope to address postpartum prolapse
and how you can experience a full recovery.


How Common is Prolapse After Childbirth


During the postpartum period, it is common to experience a pelvic
organ prolapse. The tissues and muscle structures that support
your pelvic floor may have been weakened over the course of your
pregnancy and during delivery. 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. Yet, though it is
common for women to experience a prolapse
post-pregnancy/childbirth, pelvic floor therapy can help improve
the condition. In many cases, the initial presentation of
prolapse can resolve on its own as you continue to heal - yet,
there can still be complications in the future. Some of the most
common types of pelvic organ prolapse post-childbirth 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.


Prolapse After Delivery - Causes


Pregnancy is the most common contributor to the development of a
prolapse. The hormonal changes, physical stress and strain, and
the additional weight of your baby can soften the supportive
tissues and muscles in your pelvic floor. This can cause your
pelvic organs to shift and move from their normal alignment.


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 Do You Fix a Prolapse After Giving Birth?


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.