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.