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Original poster

Heaviness and bulging urethra 6 weeks postpartum, is this normal??

39 replies

PurpleMumma · 01/06/2019 21:30

Hi,
I had my 2nd baby boy (8lb 8oz) just over 6 weeks ago via VBAC. The labour was 10 hours in total with 1hr 15mins of pushing and then forceps and episiotomy.
My episiotomy has healed really well according to the gp and feels fine I think.
It took 5 weeks for the swelling and bruising to go down and to be able to walk at all. However, nearly 7 weeks on and I have a bulging urethra and struggle to fully empty my bladder. I also have a heaviness when I stand up and walk like something is going to fall out.
The gp said they can’t see any obvious prolapse but they have referred me for physio so they can have a proper look and my appointment is in 2 weeks.
I’m so annoyed with myself for not opting for an elective c-section and I’m feeling really down and unable to enjoy my baby because of this discomfort and not knowing if it will ever be the same again sad
Hoping for some reassurance from others who have experienced this and if this is normal. Thanks!

OP posts:
Youwantshoesinashoeshop · 01/06/2019 21:35

I'd say that if you could not walk for 5 weeks that is NOT normal and not being able to fully empty your bladder is also not normal. What d'you mean by a bulging urethra??? It sounds like something is now quite right.... but I'm sure it can be fixed so don't fret too much. Women's bodies are commonly ... punished (!) by childbirth but can be put back together afterward. X

Original poster
PurpleMumma · 01/06/2019 21:49

I could physically walk but not comfortably or properly without feeling like everything was going to fall out!
The opening to my urethra is very pronounced and clearly visible when I look down there. The gp said that could be the reason why I don’t have a good flow of urine when I pee and doesn’t think it’s a prolapsed bladder but I’m still so worried about what’s happening :(

OP posts:
Youwantshoesinashoeshop · 01/06/2019 22:16

I've never been able to see my urethra. Sounds absolutely like a prolapse to me, or a suturing mistake, and I'd think you having had forceps would increase the risk of prolapse.

I've had two vaginal births for comparison, stitches with both, one instrumental delivery, and could walk comfortably within 4 days (other issues though so I didn't get away scot free ;) )Sometjing isn't right here: trust your instincts Flowers

Candycats · 01/06/2019 23:12

I'm now 14 weeks postpartum and I've just found out this week that I have a prolapsed bladder. One of my symptoms was a more obvious urethra and the heaviness that you describe, although mine has been incredibly painful. My GP said he couldn't see a prolapse and tried to fob me off by saying the pain was normal but I insisted on a referral and I'm glad I did, as they were the ones who found the prolapse. It's really shitty to have a prolapse but there are things they can do and I'm glad I finally know what's wrong.

Candycats · 01/06/2019 23:13

Oops posted too soon! I hope things settle down for you and you're feeling more normal again soon Thanks

Justajot · 01/06/2019 23:16

One of the stupid things about looking for a prolapse is that a GP will examine you flat on your back and say there is no issue. However gravity makes a huge difference and a prolapse might be much more pronounced when standing up.

Original poster
PurpleMumma · 02/06/2019 02:20

Candycats I’m sorry to hear you have a prolapse but now I am more worried that I do too :(
Were you also struggling to wee properly? What other symptoms did you have?
What treatment has the physio offered?

OP posts:
Candycats · 02/06/2019 09:35

I haven't struggled to wee at all tbh, my main symptom is the intense pain which gets worse when I've been standing for a while; it's a very severe ache which feels heavy if that makes sense? It's hard to describe! I've not been to the physio yet but they're also referring me for an ultrasound. I hope you don't have a prolapse but from what I can gather it's very common and there seems to be a lot of info out there about them. I really sympathise as I know how worrying it can be!

Original poster
PurpleMumma · 02/06/2019 10:43

Thanks Candycats.
I’m not in any pain as such, it’s more just heavy and uncomfortable when I walk or stand. I had something similar a year after the c-section but it wasn’t half as bad as it is now. Iv been frantically doing my pelvic floor exercises as soon as I could feel them so I will keep on with them as they can only help. My physio is in 2 weeks so I will keep you posted what they say. x

OP posts:
Candycats · 02/06/2019 11:38

Yeah I've been frantically doing them too, as you say they can't hurt! I also had forceps and an episiotomy so I suspect that has something to do with all of this! Good luck at the physio x

Badgergirl123 · 02/06/2019 12:53

Hello OP,

I had exactly the same type of delivery
to you almost 6 months ago. Until about 4 months pp I felt like everything was falling out but this has totally gone away now. Physio told me I had a very minor front wall prolapse. It's possible you have a slightly prolapsed uretha, this is rare but perfectly possible and the physio will be able to help with that.
I found a lot of the discomfort I was having until recently was also due to scar tissue around episiotomy. Since being shown by physio how to do proper perineal massage on this area it is sooo much better. I no longer spend my days thinking constantly about it which is a massive relief!!

Original poster
PurpleMumma · 02/06/2019 13:50

Thanks for your comment Badgergirl123. I think you might be right about the prolapsed urethra. I know I should just wait for the physio as they will be able do the proper checks but it’s all I can think about and need some reassurance to keep me going. It’s good to hear that the feeling can go away like in your case so fingers crossed mine does too! x

OP posts:
Original poster
PurpleMumma · 02/06/2019 13:53

What did the physio recommend to help things feel? Was it just pelvic floor exercises or something else? x

OP posts:
Badgergirl123 · 02/06/2019 14:59

Just pelvic floor exercises. I had my first appointment 6 weeks pp but had been doing PFE since a few days after birth. I used the NHS squeezey app (and still do) but I was trying to do too many and hold for too long, physio cut back to 5 x 3 second hold then 10 quick flicks and I built up from there. My actual pelvic floor strength wasn't too bad but birth is such a strain on those muscles it's much better to do a few well than loads poorly. It's important to release the muscles properly after each exercise too or you won't be working the full range. A tip I was told was to do a quick sniff after you release to relax the muscle properly. Sounds weird but it does work!

I think the exercises and time have made such difference. I was frantic at the point you are now thinking I'd never be normal again but there's so much that be done and you're so early on in recovery. I'm back walking about 5 miles a day when I used to struggle getting to the car. Good luck with it all 😀

Original poster
PurpleMumma · 02/06/2019 17:21

Yes I also have the Squeezy app too and have been doing 5 x 5sec long squeezes and 10 quick flicks. Thanks for the tip on the sniff...will defo try this!
Sorry for all the questions but can I ask, how long did you struggle to walk and feel like everything was going to fall out? Was that 4 months?
Thanks so much for your comments and advice, it’s definitely helping my mental state. Flowers

OP posts:
Badgergirl123 · 02/06/2019 21:24

I'd say it really started to improve between 3 and 4 months and now I have no problem at all. At your stage I only left the house if I really had to and always by car. I used to run and had a pair of EVB leggings that I dug out, they have pelvic and core support built-in and they really helped. Not cheap but they were a god send as I felt so much more secure.
Despite a rough pregnancy and difficult birth they both seem a walk in the park compared to the recovery. I'll never forget it so am more than happy to help! And in a few months I'm sure you'll be looking back on it rather than living it too.

Badgergirl123 · 02/06/2019 21:29

Oh, and I really can't emphasise enough to ask physio to check for any scar tissue as well as looking for a potential prolapse. I too healed perfectly from episiotomy with no issues according to all who checked it, but the scarring really added to the discomfort and can be helped so easily.

Merename · 02/06/2019 22:04

I’m sorry you are going through this. I had a stage 1 prolapse after my second baby 8 months ago who was 10lb 5 and born in two hours Shock. My first labour was more like 2 days. Interestingly the physio said it’s likely that my first labour did 80% of the damage, while the second finished the job, although I had no symptoms after the first.

The worst thing for me was the weird, bulging feeling, for me was from bladder and rectal wall, I also struggled to empty bladder and it was worst when I was constipated. Started physio at around 12 weeks pp and just got discharged. My symptoms are not 100% gone, but I’m barely aware of it and no longer feeling bulgy anyway. All through regular pelvic floor and avoiding lifting as much as possible. I had setbacks a few times, after a vomiting bug and a bad cough, but each time it wasn’t too hard to build strength again. I’ve done Pilates since my first baby for a bad back, and find it has really helped recovery. I’m sure this will improve for you but in a way you need to accept for the time being that it’s pretty normal for childbirth to affect your body deeply - I know I seriously underestimated this.

Original poster
PurpleMumma · 03/06/2019 04:32

Thanks Badgergirl123! I have never heard of EVB leggings but having looked them up, they sound great and just what I need thanks!
Yes I will definitely ask the physio to check my scar. x

OP posts:
Original poster
PurpleMumma · 03/06/2019 04:43

Thanks for your support and comments Merename! I’m sorry to hear that you have been through a rough time of it but glad to hear you are recovering well now!
There really isn’t enough information provided to you about the after effects of both on you body. I did an NCT course with my first and they didn’t cover recovery at all! I am also very angry that the consultants and midwifes didn’t cover the risk associated with forceps and advise me to have a man elective c-section, but then I guess they have to try to encourage a natural birth for cost reasons Sad

OP posts:
FartnissEverbeans · 08/06/2019 19:40

I might be completely wrong here as I know very little about these things.

I was worried I had a prolapse of some sort recently. I have some discomfort/pain during sex, and a heavy, bulging, swollen feeling. However, the gynaecologist thinks I have varicose veins. You can get them in both your vulva and vagina - obviously the vulvar ones are more visible.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this is the diagnosis as it seems easier to treat than prolapse.

Original poster
PurpleMumma · 13/06/2019 19:17

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give you all an update following my physio appointment. The physio confirmed that I have a mild uterine prolapse and that my pelvic floor strength is 3/5. She has advised me to do 8x6 second squeezes and 10 quick squeezes 3-4 times a day and to go back in 6 weeks. She seemed confident that things should return to normal with the exercises so I am just squeezing like mad now!

I woke up this morning and felt like things had improved a bit but after being up for 5 mins, things were uncomfortable again Sad Those who have gone through this, is this normal? Is the recovery generally quite slow. I feel like every time I walk it sets me back and feel like I’ll never be able to walk comfortably again Sad

OP posts:
Merename · 19/06/2019 15:08

Hiya,

Just seen your query and sorry you’ve been uncomfortable again. Definitely normal to have 3 steps forward and two back. The first time I went back to my physio, I’d seen loads of improvement and then I had a vomiting bug and a cough in quick succession, and it got much worse. Physio said this was totally normal and sent me away for 8weeks. Sadly mine has gotten worse again in the last week and I don’t know why. I remember feeling uncomfortable blowing up a balloon last week and thinking that I should have squeezed before I blew, but surely that can’t be it. I’m also wondering if it could be menstruation related - haven’t got period yet and breastfeeding, but been noticing some changes that make me think it’s in the post. Physio said it tends to get worse for women every month with their period. I haven’t been doing the exercises as much so I will get back on it...

So sorry that’s not amazing news, how are you feeling today?

Original poster
PurpleMumma · 19/06/2019 17:50

Thanks for your message Merename!

Everyday is very up and down I have noticed that this is dependant on a) how much I have been on my feet and b) my mood. I have been struggling mentally to deal with things which I think makes me physically feel worse. My Health Visitor is referring me for some counselling but that could be a while. I just keep thinking why me and I have terrible guilt about how this is affecting my family and stopping us from doing the things we used to do Sad

I have booked a private physio appointment on Monday to get a second opinion and some further reassurance about things. I also want them to check that I am doing the exercises correctly.

I hope you start to feel better again....you definitely need to get back on the exercises! I feel like I’ll be doing them everyday for the rest of my life Shock

OP posts:
7weekspp · 28/07/2021 12:35

@PurpleMumma
I know this is a really old post but any updates a year down the line? Hope things are better for you! I'm in a similar position and wondering how things turned out!