I'm 5 weeks pregnant with #3 and I have a uterine prolapse, cystocele and rectocele, all considered moderate.
I went to my GP today to get a referral etc and she was adamant that I would have to have a c/section because of it. I birthed my daughter vaginally (damage was caused by birth #1) and I do believe the prolapses have become slightly worse but I don't have any problems associated with them at all. Of course I expect them to become worse during this pregnancy.
I was just wondering if anyone else with similar issues has had a c/section. Was it your choice, were you persuaded? And what info were you given?
I have never seen a uterine prolapse, cystocele and rectocele. Can I assume a cyctocele is where the bladder prolapses into the vagina and rectocele is the bowel prolapsing into the vagina? And as for the uterine prolapse is that where the whole uterus is prolapsing downwards or does it actually sort of turn inside out (called an inverted uterus) I am only asking to make sure my understanding is clear before offering any advise.
The ladies I have seen as a midwife that have had a prior prolapse during birth itself and have required immediate repair (as its causes heamorrage) have had c/s for subsequent pregnancies. Ladies that I have seen have prior surgery for hernia's of the vagina/bowel, fistulas etc have also had c/s with subsequent births so there is no risk of birth undoing the surgery that has previously being done however if you have not had surgery to repair the uterine prolapse, cystocele and rectocele I would assume there would be no reason to need a c/s for your future births especially if you have had a birth since unless it was your wish to have a c/s.
If what you have is what I am thinking (I might have it totally wrong) where the vaginal walls are weakened from your first birth and have caused the bladder and bowel to prolapse into the vagina then I think it would be perfectly safe to have a vaginal birth provided they have not being operated on and there has not being a fistula (opening from vagina into the bowel or bladder). I imagine if it were a problem then you would have being advised not to birth vaginally after your first baby though. This is all over the place and I hope I havent confused you. I just didnt like to see that your post had not being answered.
How did you find out you had all that?? Did it come up on a scan or could you just feel it?? I've been to a women's physio about all that because I was worried about the amount of swelling I've had since week 8, but no-one has insisted I get further examined? I am now 30 weeks and the swelling is still there and I feel like the baby could fall out any minute! Very frustrating telling doctors this information and them not doing anything! I assume it would come up in a scan if there were issues, but I'm just a bit nervous. I would go c-section if I were you but I guess it's weighing up the recovery from that operation compared to the alternative and the ability to care for your newborn after a c-section with regards to bending, feeding etc.
can you start on some Pelvic Floor Exercises? Strengthening the pelvic floor has been known to help right mild/moderate cases of uterine prolapse. It is especially a good idea during pregnancy if you are at risk, so I would certainly start now.
I am not sure on the c-s though. I would be asking a separate doctor for their opinion on VB with untreated prolapse and what the risk factors are. Someone without a vested interest already.
Prolapse and vaginal birth
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