Pregnant with baby 2but dealing with prolapse

[Pumpkinangel]

I had my DS 2 years ago but had a long labour and had forceps and episiotomy with2nd degree tear, I also have a prolapse called a rectocele prolapse where the tissue wall between my bum and vagina weakens and bulges down to the entrance of my vagina, I’ve seen a consultant and physio about it but now that I’m pregnant again they can’t really do anything further. I have heard they can operate after u have had all your babies if bad but I’m just worried that it will get worse as I get bigger with second baby. I’m currently 11 weeks pregnant and I’ve noticed the bulge is now wetting my underwear so I’m having to wear pads. I did speak to midwife at my first appt about it as my first labour was quite traumatic but as far as I’m aware they do not offer elective c sections at my hospital (great western in Swindon). I just want to know if anyone else had this and/ or anyone has any advice.

Hi ya, just wanted you to know your not alone!
I have a rectocele too. 😭. Honestly the suprise as it didn’t show its head until 2 years after lo was born and was due to running 😂🙈. Which I don’t do now. I’m in early days so just hoping my pregnancy is ok.
However I have heard 1s trimester is a bit rubbish for it, second is good and it will actually feel better as your uterus lifts. End of third may get a bit lower again 🙈. However mine effects me most when constipated. I’m trying to do my excercises but I do forget 🙈.

As far as I know elective c sections are allowed everywhere if you want one. Your consultant can refuse to do it but you can ask for someone else who will 😊

I can't comment on the prolapse but I had a v similar birth (minus the prolapse but with some other unpleasant bits). I did birth afterthoughts and was given an appointment with a consultant who told me if I did get pregnant again and felt I couldn't have a vaginal birth because of what happened that I wouldn't be refused an elective c section. Just wanted to share.

@Skymum82 I’m so glad someone replied and that I’m not alone! The consultant I saw over a year ago said I could have surgery on it to put it back in place but that I shouldn’t have the op until I had finished having children. The last year before I became pregnant it’s not been to bad, it doesn’t cause me pain but is just annoying really and it’s defo affected the skin between my bits due to the pressure of it weighing down. I think I just worry that if I have a traumatic birth again ie episiotomy and tears that it will get even worse 2nd time round. I had a mishap the other day actually when I was heading to the loo for a wee I sneezed on my way up the stairs and a bit of wee came out...oops! Think I will have to wear pads for a bit and see how I get on. The consultant I saw referred me to a physio who I saw a few times and the last time I spoke to her over the phone in July last year (lockdown) I spoke to her about trying for another baby and she said similar to you re worst in first trimester etc so that’s good to hear u have heard the same. I’m hoping to try for a water birth in September as I didn’t get chance last time, wonder if the water will help. I may speak to the midwife again about my concerns re the prolapse. How far along are you? I will be 11 weeks on weds this week. I did ask a similar question last year about my prolapse but had no responses so I’m
Soo glad I’ve had some replies

I've got a rectocele from 1st birth too and now 23 weeks with 2nd. Did feel it more during first trimester, was also very constipated which didn't help. Does seem a bit better now than in 1st trimester but do have days where is not so good, think when I'm more constipated. Have got all the same worries as you about the 2nd birth so am hoping some ladies who have had a 2nd with an existing rectocele will be along soon. It's nice to know I'm not alone with this and my worries about it tho.

@Cafeaulait27 thank you for your comment that’s good to hear should I go that route :) @Ummm21 thank you for sharing :) yes I lost quite a bit of blood and my epidural didn’t work one side of my body so I could feel what they were doing ie: sewing up etc it was awful, the anaesnatist gave me fentanyl but it didn’t do much so they ended knocking me out.

Not much to add I'm afraid but following with interest. Considering going for baby number 2 and this worries me as I have the same problem

I have a rectocele after the birth of my first ds and am now in my third trimester with our second child. I was consultant led immediately and told I need a c section as labour will make the rectocele worse. Mine is manageable with physio and I was told that if I could cope without surgery for it it would be the best as surgery is a bit hit or miss whether it works fully. I was told as it is moderate and not severe I need a c section to prevent it getting any worse. I would suggest you try and see a consultant and see what they say.

@Afternoonteaandicecream thank you so much for replying, yes I defo felt alone last year when I posted and no one replied, glad to hear I’m not the only one. Yes I think I will ask my midwife for some lactulose as I used this in my first pregnancy and it really helped, I suffered bad with constipation. I’ve always really hated the feeling of a weight down below in between my bum and lady bits, I had a look earlier with a mirror and I can see the skin has been stretched due to the rectocele sitting on that area. I did talk to the consultant about a Pesary but he said he didn’t think I needed one, tho the physio hasn’t done much really even before pregnancy, yes let’s hope someone joins so we know how it was second time round and what to expect.

@StarDanced thank you for your reply that’s good to hear, how do u become consultant led? Does the midwife refer you? I did tell the midwife about my concerns but she didn’t think it would be a problem tho I still worry about it.

@Pumpkinangel wow. I was similar - 86 hour labour. Epidural only worked on my left. Forceps and episiotomy after two or so hours pushing and fetal distress. Now have a slight / moderate rectocele. Need to splint in order to get poo out. Bowel doesn't bulge out the opening, sorry tmi!!! Only distends perineum, internally etc...

I want a vaginal birth with number 2 (currently 33 weeks). Have been doing my kegels. And got some weights too that are meant to strengthen pelvic floor. I'm just really hoping it doesn't get any worse.

The iron I'm on at the moment is torture though!!!

Here for a handhold. I have no answers.

Just demand to see consultant and ask for section. If you don't push for what you want you will get railroaded into having what is most convenient for staff.

www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg132/chapter/1-Guidance#planned-cs NICE guidelines 1.2.9.5. "For women requesting a CS, if after discussion and offer of support (including perinatal mental health support for women with anxiety about childbirth), a vaginal birth is still not an acceptable option, offer a planned CS. [new 2011]" - guidance to Obstetrics units.

Request to talk to a consultant about it. Midwives are not adequately informed/trained to discuss all the urogynaecological consequences meaningfully. You may eventually want a vaginal delivery but so far you have not had an informed discussion of the full risks and benefits of repeat delivery. I've noticed a willingness to completely skip benefits of caesar and risks of vaginal from the birthing professions.

@physicskate thank you for your reply,wow yes you sound like you had a very similar experience to me! Please can you let us know how you get on once your little one is born ie how your prolapse is if worse or ok, would be good to hear some positive ness I’m having the baby naturally and it being ok. All the best with your pregnancy journey second time round I can’t tell u how glad I am that I posted this thread.

@indub thank you for the advice I will definitely speak to the midwife about this

@caringcarer thank you yes you are right, I will definitely call the midwives today to express my concerns

You must speak to a consultant. I know of 2 friends who had similar issues to you and were recommended to have c-sections with their 2nd births otherwise there would be a risk of making their problems much worse. PS I don’t think a water birth would make any difference, please don’t feel guilty for not holding out for the mythical “perfect birth” at the risk of your physical issues. I had a natural water birth with no intervention and still ended up with bladder prolapse and leaking issues!

Fight now for a c section. You have the right to ask for it and a sound medical reason.