Anybody else have a stretched vagina after giving birth?

[Deltadawn]

Thanks Marydean for letting me know that. It is reassuring to know that it shouldnt be a problem, like I said, the Ob didnt seem too concerned by it.

Satya and Laurab - All was good and dandy after the birth (almost good as new) and then it just happened when I fell pregnant with Baby #2 just a few months ago. I dont know whether the extra pressure of the pregnancy on the uterus has made it drop or something?

[Sophia73]

Hi Tonydayl,

I have a prolapse after birth of my daughter in December. The good news for me is that the symptoms are improving month by month to the point where I almost feel "normal" again. I've been very diligent in doing my pelvic floor exercises and seeing my physio.

Also, I recently saw a female gynae who specialises in this area and was really reassuring. She told me a few things I hadn't heard before, namely that the damage to the pelvic floor is often done in PREGNANCY rather than in labour ( I was solely blaming my birth experience - long labour, forceps and episiotomy). Also that weakness in the pelvic floor and hence prolapse is mostly genetic (weaker connective tissue). The hormones in pregnancy and while breastfeeding really affect the symptoms - hence this may be why you're suddenly feeling a bit uncomfortable while your pregnant.

Oh, also I was worried about further damage by vaginal births in the future and she was reassuring in a strange way by saying - look, the damage has been done already and another labour is unlikely to make a bit difference.

Anyway just some food for thought. I

[Deltadawn]

Thanks Sophia! Thank you for sharing that information. My Ob is on holidays for another 6 weeks so you have put my mind at ease. I must admit I was very lax about doing my pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy but am trying to do them through this pregnancy when I remember.

Thanks again!

[BekZ]

Ladies I need to jump into this conversation!!!

After my second pregnancy/birth I had a bulge coming out of my vagina and it really scared me. I am 9 months post birth and I still have a small bulge. I can only feel it when I sit on the loo and I don't have any incontinence issues thankfully.

I have started doing pelvic floor exercises everyday and I hope I see an improvement really soon.

We want to start ttc bub number 3 by the end of the year and I really would like my vajayjay to be back in it right full place before going throuhg another pregnancy.

It looks like I should find a phyiso who deals with these issues or should I see my doctor first?

[Sophia73]

Hi Bekz,

Definately do both! I'd recommend seing a gynae rather than a GP - they would be able to diagnose and recommend treatment. I had a bad experience with a GP who told me "wow that's a really bad prolapse" possibly because they really don't see that many compared to gynaes!

A women's physio is helpful in making sure you are doing the Pelvic Floor exercises properly and suggesting core strengthening activities that will also help.

Don't worry too much - I'm reassured it's very common - however do act now to prevent it getting worse.

[jilljuneja]

All my baby is 15 months old. I had very deep tears and colud not walk for days.

I only have problem - my vagina is now very big. When we do sex we both dont feel much. It is really big in comparision to earlier.

I have not pelvic floor exercise much. I am planning to take things seriously now. As it is affecting my marriage.

Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated.

I want to know is big vagina common and how to reduce the width or the inner hole width.

Jill.

[Meags]

Wow, I am so relieved to find that I am not the only one feeling this way! DH keeps saying he notices no difference, but it is 6 months since I gave birth and it certainly feels like there is lots of space 'down there'. DTD has not been so great for me since birth, it is encouraging to read that most of you noticed improvments in this area. Maybe there is hope for me yet? DH is pretty keen to get pregnant again soon but I am terrified another pregnancy and birth will just make it worse.

Since reading everyone elses comments, i'm going to be more diligent with the pelvic floor exercises and maybe go back to pilates.

Thankfully I dont have anyproblems with continence, and didn't tear so have no scar to worry about.

It is so nice to not feel alone in this, especially as it isn't exactly a dinner party conversation topic. I wish you all the best with this and hope to read more as we seek action and solutions.