Pelvic organ prolapse symptoms while pregnant

You may feel something weird in your lower tummy, like something bulging or falling; then this situation is called pelvic organ prolapse. In other terms, a bulge in the vagina is called prolapse. Pelvic organs include the vagina, bladder, uterus, urethra and rectum. The symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse arise when the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor are weak. It can be due to childbirth, heavy lifting, menopause, and pregnancy.

How does pelvic organ prolapse in pregnancy affect one?

As we know, all women go through major changes during pregnancy, and they are often caused by when the baby grows, then he adds pressure on the uterus, the weight increases on the uterus or hormonal factors can make the muscles more relaxed, and these factors can increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse in pregnancy. Moreover, we can see pelvic organ prolapse mainly in those women who have had a multiple history of pregnancies, a baby who was big, or had normal deliveries. Moreover, there are other signs too, from which you can develop prolapse during pregnancy, like:

•       You have a family history of prolapse.
•       Chronic coughing, which creates pressure on the pelvic
•       Due to being overweight or obese, you lack pelvic support.
•       Older age of women who get pregnant are prone to develop
•       Chronic constipation or straining puts pressure on the pelvic organs.
•       Lack of pelvic exercise
•       You have fibroids or a pelvic tumour.

What are the symptoms of prolapse during pregnancy?

Heaviness in the pelvic area:

Many women feel heaviness and fullness in the pelvic area, like something falling inside the pelvic area or lower belly.

Difficulty in urinating:

Some women may face difficulties in urination or feel like their bladder is not fully empty. Moreover, in some cases urine of women becomes slow or requires a push to start.

Back pain:

Some women get false alarms that lower back pain comes from pregnancy, but it’s not like that. You may feel lower back pain, which is caused by the pelvic ligaments and muscles.

Frequent urination:

Because of prolapse during pregnancy, your bladder may shift from its normal place, which causes the urge to pee and sometimes leak a few drops because of coughing, laughing, or sneezing.

Irritation in the pelvic area:

Because of prolapse, your bladder may move out of its normal position, leading to the feeling that you need to pee, as well as leaking a little when you cough, laugh, or sneeze. This may also irritate the pelvic region.

Bulge or lump:

If you are experiencing pelvic organ prolapse in pregnancy, you might notice a soft bulge coming out from your vagina, especially after taking a bath, standing, or wiping. This bulge may be a section of your rectum, uterus, or bladder.

How to prevent pregnancy-related prolapse 

•       Do pelvic floor exercises
•       Maintain your weight
•       Do not lift heavy weights.
•       Regular checkup for early detection
•       If a woman has prolapse before pregnancy, and if it is severe, then surgical treatment may be needed.
•       Eating nutritional food helps you to prevent constipation.
•       After delivery, rest and recovery
•       If you have any symptoms before or after pregnancy, then follow up with your doctor.

Questions to be asked: 

Does pregnancy-related prolapse occur before pregnancy?

Yes, prolapse can occur before pregnancy. The women who have weak pelvises due to genetic factors, previous deliveries, constipation, or heavy lifting jobs. 

Does prolapse occur during pregnancy?

Yes, it can occur during pregnancy due to hormone changes, pressure from the growing baby, or softening tissue in the pelvic area during pregnancy.

Does prolapse happen after pregnancy?

Yes, prolapse can happen and be more common after pregnancy due to normal deliveries, multiple deliveries, large babies, facing problems at the time of deliveries, or large babies. So, risk is higher after the pregnancy.

Is prolapse back in future pregnancies?

Yes, prolapse can be back in future pregnancies if you had it before. Especially if the pelvic floor is not strengthened.

Final thoughts:

To conclude, pelvic organ prolapse in pregnancy can be a daunting experience, but with appropriate care and prompt intervention, it can be effectively managed. If there’s pressure, heaviness, or strange changes going on down there, read the signs ​—​ your body is sending you a message. Consultation with a pelvic organ prolapse doctor in Jaipur can safeguard your comfort and health, along with your baby’s safety from early intervals. So, listen to your body and prioritise your pelvic health.