This is what childbirth actually does to your vagina

EXPECTANT mums are often warned about stretchmarks, weight gain and exhaustion but nobody talks about the effects of childbirth ‘down there.’

Having a baby can cause some dramatic changes in your nether regions – and it’s not something you talk about with your mum.

But the good news is that most effects are short term and reversible.

Now have asked Professor Ellis Downes, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, to give the lowdown on what to expect.

3

Vaginal Laxity

The vagina is pretty elastic and stretches up to 10cm allow the baby’s head through.

But Professor Downes recommends pelvic floor exercises before the birth to help it bounce back afterwards.

He said: “There is good evidence that regular pelvic floor exercises not only reduce the risk of urinary incontinence during pregnancy, but after delivery help the vagina return to the “non-pregnant” state.

He added that ‘vaginal laxity’ is common immediately after birth.

He said: “After childbirth a woman’s vagina may be stretched, and, if she has a vaginal tear during delivery or an episiotomy which needs suturing, there may be tenderness and scar tissue.”

Around half of new mums have stitches and they generally heal with no problems.

However, in around 40 per cent of women will find that a small amount of wee escapes when they’re laughing or sneezing in the few weeks after birth.

3

Prolapse

About ten per cent of women suffer prolapse,  when one or more of your pelvic organs (including the womb, bladder or rectum) drops downs into your vagina.

This results in a heavy feeling around the vagina, as if something is “coming down”, or a noticeable bulge.

Again pelvic floor exercises are the answer and in the majority of mums this rights itself in a few weeks.

RELATED STORIES

Food for thought

Swear by the five-second rule? Here's what really happens when you drop your snack

SMELLS LIKE SEEN SPIRIT

Is Kurt Cobain ALIVE? Nirvana frontman ‘spotted’ in video that has sent internet into a frenzy

they're onederful!

Miracle premature twins born BEFORE the legal abortion limit celebrate their first birthday

Parent Trap

Jeremy Kyle guest claims 'My abusive ex makes me have sex before he lets me see my kids'

Painful sex

Low oestrogen after childbirth results in vaginal dryness so sex soon after childbirth, if you can face it all, can be difficult.
Use plenty of lubricant if dryness is an issue.

If laxity is the problem, experts recommend trying a position with women on top, or with her legs together, for deeper penetration.

If sex continues to be painful after birth, consult your GP.

3

Training your pelvic floor

Your midwife should recommend pelvic floor exercises but there is also an NHS app, called Squeezy, that is free to download.

Also recommended are kegel exercise balls, which can be placed inside the vagina to help tighten the muscles.