Second vaginal birth recovery pelvic floor

[Dolly5678]

I’m due my second baby in a few weeks. First birth was not traumatic, straight forward induction at 42 weeks and baby was large at 10lb 2oz. No forceps or ventouse but episiotomy which healed well. However I had a long recovery with a few continence issues (bladder and bowel) and a feeling of heaviness. Had physio and felt much better around 12 months PP. Some symptoms returned with 2nd pregnancy.

Anecdotally second births seem to be easier than the first, I’m not too worried about birth but I’m scared about recovery. How did you feel afterwards the second time round? Did your pelvic floor feel worse or the same? Did anyone feel they recovered more quickly? So worried about doing more damage :-(

Mine actually felt better. Not quite sure what happened but I assume things had healed in the wrong way the first time and second time it "reset"?

I'm currently 10 weeks PP with child 2 and recovery has been much easier this time! First labour was 15 hours, natural labour and delivery, but some nasty second degree tears that got infected and problems with urinary incontinence and heaviness for months after. Second labour was induced, much faster (5 hours) and even though baby was much bigger (over 9lbs vs 7.5lbs), only one small tear and I've had no problems with recovery at all - felt back to normal after a week or so, even though I've been very lax about pelvic floor exercises. So yes, there is a chance it'll all go much better this time. Fingers crossed for you!

Thank you @TheBestSpoon and @legophoenix that’s really reassuring to hear some positive experiences!

Definitely had a much easier recovery 2nd time.

With my 1st I needed manual removal of placenta. And I think that made the recovery tricky. Though, no stitches etc.

2nd was a very fast and straightforward birth. And an amazing fast recovery.

Hello sorry about your worries I just wanted to ask you about physio I’m currently suffering with a loose vagina and prolapse :( debating whether to go to a physio privately. Is it just checking your doing exercise properly or is there more to it? I always do pelvic floors so don’t think it’s made a difference and had mixed reviews