Embarrassing postpartum symptoms - assisted delivery

7 replies

JourneyToParenthood · 04/03/2022 18:16

Hi All,

I had my first baby a few weeks ago and had an assisted delivery with forceps, episiotomy and a second degree tear. My stitches seem to be healing nicely but I am feeling an immense 'pressure' down there - front and back - whenever I walk or stand. It literally feels like my vagina is about to fall out! Sorry TMI.

I am unable to feel my pelvic floor muscles at all, can't stop my pee mid-flow, but the worst symptom of all is an inability to hold in gas or control those muscles. It's totally wrecked my confidence seeing people post birth.

Is this normal? I have a referral in for a women's health physio. How long does it take to regain pelvic floor muscle control and is this normal side effect of forceps delivery?

Thanks

OP posts:

Original poster

JourneyToParenthood · 04/03/2022 18:19

@JourneyToParenthood

Hi All,

Is this normal? I have a referral in for a women's health physio. How long does it take to regain pelvic floor muscle control and is this normal side effect of forceps delivery?

Thanks

Also, if anyone has any tips for alleviating wind or the embarrassing symptoms of a weak pelvic floor so I can see people over the next few weeks would be great. I've read charcoal tablets may work?

OP posts:

2022IamHavingYa · 04/03/2022 18:32

I had the same and recommended seeing the physio. I didn’t and I have both a minor front and back prolapse now and can’t run without a pad.
It will improve. Do the pelvic floor exercises even though you can’t feel them, hey will be helping x

stairway · 04/03/2022 18:34

I don’t think this is that unusual after forceps, hopefully it will get better by itself. You can get anti fart pants

SilenzioBruno · 04/03/2022 18:35

I'm so sorry. It's early days yet though and it definitely can get better. As 2022 says do the pelvic floor exercises, but also make sure you get the physio to show you how to do them as effectively as possible. I needed help to get the technique right!

LouisaLovesMice · 06/03/2022 19:21

I suggest trying the pelvic floor exercises lying on your back with pillows under your bum, to let gravity help you. If you can feel them then, do like that for a bit, then progress to lying, then sitting, then standing.
If that doesn't work I think there are machines that can help you get started, that use electrical therapy. But if you can wait for the physio it's probably best to get checked before spending money.
I'd probably be careful until your appointment, just in case you have had a prolapse. Not saying you have! But better to act as if you do than to carry on as normal and make it worse, if you have one. If your pelvic floor is weak you are at risk of prolapse, and you don't want to develop one! Advice is in summary, don't lift more than 5kg, lift with proper posture, don't push on the toilet (take laxitives if needed), avoid exercises which increase abdominal pressur like crunches. Sure you can Google for more advice 😊

Emily29 · 24/03/2022 21:57

Hi, hope you're well? Just came across your post and wanted to say that I was the same as you - I can't remember how long it was now but
It did all sort itself out eventually.
In regards to the pressure though if you still have it then it may be worth checking if you have a prolapse.

MoorGirl · 28/03/2022 20:12

Hope you've healed since last post - similar situ here and 20 weeks later totally back to normal, no intervention required.

Flip