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

[PurpleMumma]

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!

@PurpleMumma @Badgergirl123 any update

Hi @Nitruv, I don't have any issues with prolapse or associated symptoms now, physio says there's just a slight laxity to the front wall that she would expect to find in most people who've had a vaginal delivery. I still get a bit of twinge from the scarring sometimes, but I known how to manage this. Do loads of walking and low impact exercise these days, lots of weights too.

Are you having issues?

@Badgergirl123 i had forceps delivery 4 months ago
I feel heaviness like something dropping out of rectum area

By when should i hope to feel better
Have started kegels

Have you seen a woman's physio? I didn't experience anything like that so don't have any advice unfortunately. I think it can take a long time to recover, by a year post-partum I was feeling pretty much back to normal, big improvement by about 6 months.

I did virtual visit with physio. Lets see when i recover :(

I think you need to see someone in person. I know private physios are seeing patients for examination so maybe try and find someone local to you? It will get better with time and exercises, I was pretty down in the dumps about it at your stage

Thanks a lot . Hoping for best

Shll i avoid anything like standing or walking?

@Badgergirl123 do i have to avoid anything
Sitting or standing?

@PurpleMumma@FartnissEverbeans
Do u feel better now?

Hi there, I’m 3 weeks pp and finally dared to look down there with a mirror as I’m so uncomfortable. When I look at my vagina I can see my urethra and some spongy pink tissue surrounding it - I couldn’t see this before birth so wondering if I have something similar to you. Did your vagina look anything like the above? Worried and uncomfortable!!

Hi @JaneH88 I have the EXACT same symptoms. I am 7 weeks PP currently. Did you ever figure out what it was? I'm seeing a women's physio for stage 1 bladder prolapse but the spongy tissue surrounding my urethra at the enterance of my vagina is so prominent and it wasn't there before!

Hello! I never found out what it was, definitely a minor prolapse, but I am pretty much back to normal now I have to say. It took a while but reverted back to pretty much normal a few months ago. Well done on seeing a specialist- I couldn’t find one and I’m sure they will help you more. Take care!!

Thank you @JaneH88 hoping that the sane happens for me! So glad you're feeling better! Xx