Prolapse after childbirth

[bluerascal]

Hi! About 4 weeks after I gave birth i noticed things down there looking not quite the same inside. I thought it was a prolapse of some sort, my urethra was much lower, pretty much in the opening! At my 6 week check I told the doctor I thought I had a prolapse, her first response was to dismiss it and say it was too early. Then she had a look and said it was a prolapse of the bladder/cystocele/anterior wall prolapse. She was very blasé about it, said muscles down there are lax after birth and to be expected etc. Offered no further advice except to do pelvic floor exercises and by 3 months it should be better. Well 3 months have almost passed and it's the same. I don't seem to have any symptoms severely, a slight feeling of weight down there. Has anyone had experience of this? I had a natural delivery, mild second degree stitches and a quickish delivery with a small 4.5lb baby. It was my first baby, I'm 34 and worried about future pregnancies and the effect if might have. Can it go back to how it was or will it forever be prolapsed? Should I make another appointment for further checks?

I've not given birth yet and I'm having an appointment to check the state of my pelvic floor because they are worried I might prolapse prior to birth. I've been referred by the obstetrics physio to the pelvic floor clinic (although I can self refer in my area). Maybe speak to your midwife?

If you're still under your midwife that is. If not I'd push for the pelvic floor clinic.

I felt the same - something wasn't right. Dismissed 8 weeks pp and told to wait 9 months for my body to recover. After 9 months I went back to the GP and was told following an examination that I also had a bladder prolapse/cystocele. No treatment given apart from told to keep doing pelvic floor exercises. I haven't noticed any difference. I don't think they will do anything about it until I have 'finished having children'. I'm so frustrated by the situation as I have symptoms daily (heavy feeling and often feeling like I need a wee) and there is nothing I can do. I haven't been given any advice about a future pregnancy and whether it would affect labour choices. Sorry this doesn't give much advice but I feel your pain

Can it go back to how it was - yes.
Should I make another appointment for further checks - check for what? Checking isn't going to solve the problem.
GP is there to diagnose and refer out not solve the prolapse.
Under 6 months postnatal you can self refer to women's physio.
You need women's physio to assess your dictates recti, your stage of prolapse and teach you how to regain your pelvic floor which includes leg exercise and breathing exercises.
Breastfeeding affects the speed of healing. Incontinence is a symptom of a problem.
Search Jilly Bond and Sarah Smith for more helpful.

@B1rthis thanks for this. I haven't heard or seen anything about self referring before for women's physio. Is this nhs wide do you know? Just wondering if it's only certain areas as nothing on my hospitals site and gp didn't mention it as an option!

At the 8w check up I mentioned prolapse. The GP's suggestion was basic pelvic floor exercises for 6 months and then see - but I specifically asked for a referral to a women's health physio and he agreed without challenging me. So perhaps it's worth going back with a clear ask? (I didn't know you could self refer- great if that's an option). As to things going back to before- my GP appointment was last week so who knows. But wishing you all the best!