Could this be Uterine/Vaginal Prolapse?? Alan - Anyone?

[Mummy Mummy]

I am 38 weeks pregnant & 2/5 engaged. I noticed a couple of days ago that my vagina felt swollen - I had a look to make sure everything looked normal. It was swollen with two lumps protruding out of the entrance to my v. I went to the hospital today for a routine checkup. The midwife had a look and said it looks as though the vaginal wall has dropped. The Midwife did not say it was a problem. I was unsure what the midwife meant so I googled this topic and it gave me alot of information on Vaginal / uterine prolapse... which made me feel even more scared! I am really concerned - does anyone have any advice or knowledge on this topic?

Thank you Sarah

[Meluchja]

It is so hard not to panic, when you aren't given the proper informaion when we are told something new about our bodies.
As far as I know. It is perfectly normal for a vagina wall to drop during pregnancy or during labour. Well it was with my case anyhow.
Mine is the same, but it has been like this since giving birth to my DD 1 year ago, just hasn't had a chance to recover yet
I went to a GP after she was born as I too though things felt different down there, and she was very helpful. She grapped a mirror and said show me what your concerned about. So I pointed to exactly what your describing, a big lumpy thing hanging right down. She reassured me that it was nothing to worry about, that my vagina wall had collapes a little, but should return to normal after some time. She said that, it happens in some women and not others, some takes longer to recover etc. She also said that it is caused by the pressure, some don't collapse until labour but some do before hand, from the weight of baby.
I hope this helps you a little. I know everycase is different, so if it is bothering you and you want reassurance I would see someone to ease your mind, just incase it is something else, but I'm sure you'll be fine, just another great experience of becoming a mother
Good luck with everything, can't wait to see your birth announcement.

[Claire]

Mine has collapsed too - not sure if it was because of my first pregnancy/labour or the forceps delivery/result of the being stitched up. When I mentioned it to my Ob, he said they would only really look at repairing (if it was needed) later on down the line, after I had finished bearing children.

It's actually not troublesome and doesn't come out of the vagina, so I guess with pelvic floor exercises after this birth I will get a better idea of how bad/good it is.

HTH x

[Mummy Mummy]

Thanks Mummy Mel & Claire for your advice. I had never heard of this condition before. Up until now my pelvic floor has been strong - I guess I should be doing more pelvic floor excercises! When I gave birth to my DD I did not need any stitches and the strength my pelvic floor was back to normal within a few months. I must have been lucky the first time around! Does this condition during pregnancy allow for a normal vaginal birth? Unfortunately this pregnancy we are living in an area where you have to go through the public system & cannot even have your own Ob. I have to say the public system has been up to a good standard - but unfortunately I cant just call my ob for an opinion (like with my 1st pregnancy). Thanks again for your help! Best Wishes to both of you for the remainder of your pregnancies, birth & beyond - look forward to seeing your birth announcements too X

[Alan]

Hi Mummy
It is not uncommon to have quite a lot of swelling down there when pregnant. The weight of the baby can make it look lite you have a prolapse but in most cases it is just the soft tissue swelling which returns to normal ater birth

[Mummy Mummy]

Hi Alan,

Thanks for your advice - it is reassuring to know that it is normal.

Just in case - do you think the midwife could tell by looking down there if I have a prolapse or would there be a need for an ultrasound? Is a prolapse of any concern when it comes to a normal vaginal delivery. I guess I am just wondering if a prolapse is left undiagnosed until after the birth does it pose any health risks?

Sorry for all these questions!

Thanks Again, Sarah

[Claire]

I don't think it of a concern with vaginal delivery - I read recently it can be caused by the pushing phase in any labour so it's a very normal thing to happen.

[Alan]

Yes a midwife would be able to tell if it was a prolapse
It will not be a problem with a vaginal birth

[Mummy Mummy]

Excellent - my mind is at rest... I think I am just getting worried as my due date is approaching so very quickly! Thanks everyone for your advice - much appreciated! Take Care, Sarah