What happens to the prolapse during birth?

Submitted by Panda86 on February 15, 2013 - 2:59pm
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Hi all :) Several of you have offered such comforting, awesome advice, and I am hear to ask for a little more information. What exactly happens to a pre-existing prolapse during labor and birth? Does everything get shoved out of the way? Basically I am afraid that something is going to "pop out" while my baby is making her trek down the birth canal. Most of my anxiety about this prolapse centers around that question. Any other Moms here who had normal vaginal births even with a pre-existing prolapse? Can you tell me what happens to it during the birth? Thank you all for being such an awesome support system. Sometimes I lay in bed at night thinking about how I wish this hadn't happened to me, and I start the internal whining, and then I say to myself, "Its ok. You can get on Whole Woman tomorrow and they will help you through it." So seriously, thank you. I wish you all lived nearby!

Forum:

Shazzy

February 15, 2013 - 4:17pm

Hi Panda86,
During my second pregnancy I had a prolapsed uterus which was near the opening. I was also extremely anxious about it coming out during the birth. However, once in labour the prolapse was not even in the equation,I just focused on birthing the baby. When your in the midst of labour the anxiety relating to prolapse becomes negligible and the priority is just coping with labour and having your baby safely in your arms - the mindset changes completely. The prolapse just moved out of the way for the baby. I had a normal vaginal birth at home. After delivery the prolapse was still in the same position as before.
I know its not easy, but try not to worry about it and enjoy your pregnancy : )

Aussie Soul Sister

February 15, 2013 - 6:45pm

Dear Panda,
I developed rectocele during my 2nd pregnancy,asked what it was & was told not to worry about it ( I wasn't given any explanation so I didn't worry )had a delivery uncomplicated by it & went on to have a third bigger baby with the same results. I had a diagnosis when 3rd child was a toddler, incidental to an unrelated inquiry, however avoided surgery & found this wonderful alternative 16yrs later.
(((hugs))) & Best wishes to you
Aussie Soul Sister

chickaboom

February 16, 2013 - 2:32pm

Hi Panda, check out this thread for a discussion on what happens to prolapse during birth -

https://wholewoman.com/forum/node/5219

granolamom

February 17, 2013 - 4:26pm

hi panda,
I had two glorious homebirths post-prolapse. both times I birthed on my hands and knees. I believe that my cystocele just moved out of the way. nothing popped out (other than the baby).
the only difference I noticed was that I was unable to empty my bladder towards the end of labor. I definitely had to urinate but was not able to when I tried...although thinking back, it did not occur to me to try on my hands/knees. additionally, right before the 'urge to push' I got a crazy urge to pee. during my pre-prolapse births, I had an urge to poo, so this was different. am mentioning it only so that if that happens to you, you'll know its a clue to get ready to catch the baby!

mom0201

February 19, 2013 - 10:23am

For each of my post-prolapse births, my organs just moved out of the way and immediately after I felt no prolapse symptoms at all. That lasted the day of the birth because I think the head pushed everything back. It was amazing actually to not feel my prolapse at all. Then by the next day, the organs started to come back down and I felt the pressure. The pressure got worse and worse until my uterus was back behind the pelvic bone which for me took 2 weeks (she said that was really fast but I think it is because I have prolapse). Now things seem to have stabilized and hopefully will gradually improve......

lovelymama2two

March 5, 2013 - 8:25pm

I also had a cytocele during my second home birth and could not pee despite a strong urge and need to during labor. Next time I will be sure to try hands and knees position! Makes sense ;)