As beautiful and dreamy as the process of pregnancy and childbirth is, it can be equally challenging. The mother’s body goes through a number of changes before and after childbirth, in addition to the strain of labor. Some of these changes are physical, some mental, and some emotional.
One such major change can be observed in the pelvis of the mother. Dryness, weak pelvic muscles, infections in the vagina, and incontinence are some of the issues new mothers come to their doctors with.
What’s important to note is that if these issues aren’t resolved in time, they can further lead to problems like pelvic organ prolapse, chronic pain, and sexual dysfunction. Further on, issues that go unaddressed during the first pregnancy, can lead to additional trouble during the next one.
What Are Some Common Postpartum Pelvic Health Issues?
Let’s talk about the two major aspects of health with reference to postpartum.
Physical Changes
Vaginal stretching and muscle or tissue tearing during childbirth is heard of. Vaginal tissue may stay swollen and stretched for weeks after the delivery. If episiotomy or tearing occurs, healing can be a longer process.
According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, stretching of pelvic floor tissues may go as far as causing neuropathy and nerve stretching.
Hormonal changes like a drop in estrogen can cause dryness, causing pain, and make sexual activities discomforting or painful. A lesser-known fact is that muscles called the perineal muscles can get so weak that the organs they support may prolapse. All of these conditions can be more or less categorized under the umbrella term “Pelvic Floor Dysfunction”.
According to Mayo Clinic, some other changes include vaginal discharge, afterpains, hemorrhoids, sore breasts, hair loss, dark patches on the skin, and weight loss.
Emotional Changes
Mood swings, anxiety, crying spells, postpartum depression, and loneliness are only some of the psychological effects a mother may experience postpartum. According to a study, around 1 in 7 women are affected by Postpartum Depression.
Changes in perception of their body make women reluctant to discuss sexual satisfaction, discomfort, pain, or incontinence with their partner. It is important to note that the mental health of the mother determines to a large extent how she feels about her postpartum recovery.
How to Take Care of Your Vagina After Giving Birth?
Immediate Postpartum Care for Vaginal Health
The most important method of self-care after childbirth is resting. For the initial six weeks, your focus should be on letting your body do its thing. Stretching, soreness in the body and vagina, and light bleeding called lochia are anticipated postpartum. However, activities causing more stress to your body can delay your recovery.
Postpartum infections, UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), or bacterial vaginosis are common but should not be ignored. Habits like cleansing your intimate area with warm water after peeing or intercourse are recommended.
Personal hygiene products like menstrual cups and tampons should be avoided and instead unscented and high-quality sanitary pads should be preferred.
Long-Term Postpartum Pelvic Health
Pelvic floor dysfunction and pelvic organ prolapse don’t happen suddenly. They develop over time, go unnoticed, and get detected when uneasiness, bulging in the vagina, or urination problems occur. To prevent it from happening, pelvic floor strengthening should be considered.
Surgeries and Surgical Implants
In some cases, surgical interventions like hysterectomy or vaginal mesh implants may be deemed necessary. Mesh implants are required to address pelvic organ prolapse or severe urinary incontinence caused by weak pelvic muscles.
These procedures may come with risks and potential complications like mesh erosion even in the future. It then becomes vital to think about what can be used instead of mesh for prolapse or how to avoid such procedures completely.
Physical Therapy and Prescriptions
Physical therapists and pelvic floor specialists can guide women to improve their health through targeted exercises. Vaginal lubricants can calm the dryness for some. Some may be prescribed estrogen creams or supplements.
To improve sexual health after childbirth, the best strategy is to communicate with your partner or consult a professional.
When Should You Seek Help?
Most postpartum issues resolve on their own, without having to worry about them. But if you feel like any pain, bleeding or infection seems to be abnormal, trust your instinct. Physical therapy and exercises should impact positively, and if no difference is seen, book a doctor’s appointment to discuss the same.
Remember, prevention is better than cure. So it’s okay if you visit your doctor for nothing. Sometimes, even after completion of treatment, complications persist. For example, many women have suffered due to faulty mesh implants. Many have even filed product liability lawsuits to seek compensation from manufacturers.
TruLaw mentions that surgeries or surgical implants can cause adverse effects like device erosion, hematomas, or urinary incontinence. In such a case, along with further medical assistance, you can seek legal aid, file or be a part of a lawsuit, and receive lawful compensation.
Final Words
WebMD notes that some women don’t feel like themselves again for months after childbirth, while some may heal in a matter of 6-8 weeks. Along with exercise, guidance, and tracking progress, the power of self-awareness can give you more insight into your body and what it needs.
Pregnancy and childbirth are complex. They require a holistic approach for smooth execution with minimal struggle for the mom and baby.
With this mini-guide on how to go about taking care of your vagina after giving birth, we hope to have given you a positive and helpful direction. Right physical and mental care, emotional and social support, and self-awareness can help you savor every m
oment of this beautiful journey while ensuring optimum health.
