What it is
You feel a bulge, or something falling out, or a heaviness that gets worse by evening. When the stretched pelvic floor cannot hold things up, the bladder, the uterus, or the bowel sags into the vaginal wall. On exam, about half of women who have given birth have some degree of this. Far fewer feel it.
What's typical
Early postpartum prolapse often improves over six to twelve months as tissue recovers. Symptoms are worst at the end of the day and after lifting or straining. A pessary is a soft silicone ring fitted by a provider that holds things up from inside. Surgery is a last option and rarely done in the first year.
What's known
ACOG and the International Urogynecological Association describe prolapse as common and treatable, not a sign you did something wrong. A large UK trial found pelvic floor muscle training improved prolapse symptoms at one year.
What helps
- Lie down for part of the day. Gravity is the main pressure.
- Keep stool soft and use a footstool. Straining pushes everything down.
- Ask about a pessary and about pelvic floor PT.
When to call someone
- Now (go in): you cannot pee, or tissue outside the body is dry, bleeding, or very painful.
- Todaya new bulge, or trouble emptying your bladder or bowel.
- At your next visitheaviness, pressure, or a bulge that comes and goes.
Who helps
Tools: Birthworker Directory
Related
- Your pelvic floor after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Peeing after birth and leakingPostpartum: Your Body
- The first poop, constipation, and hemorrhoids after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Returning to exercisePostpartum: Your Body
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Patient FAQ on pelvic support problems
- International Urogynecological Association — Pelvic organ prolapse: patient leaflet
- NHS — Pelvic organ prolapse
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