Vaginal changes after childbirth

Mothers who give birth normally are more likely to notice changes in the vagina after delivery than mothers who have had a cesarean section. Even so, you don't really need to worry because the vagina is a fairly flexible organ.

So, what changes might occur in the vagina after giving birth? Find out more information here, including if you are wondering if it was possible for your vagina to return to its original size before delivery.

Vaginal changes after childbirth

During normal delivery, the baby passes through the cervix and finally reaches the vagina which is also called the birth canal.

That is why, the vagina needs to experience a perfect vaginal opening beforehand to make it easier for the baby to pass.

It is different from mothers who undergo caesarean section because the baby does not come out through the vagina, but from the mother's stomach after the doctor makes an incision.

Apart from the opening of the delivery at the cervix (cervix), there are also ruptured waters and contractions that are signs of childbirth.

Such a wide opening may make you think that your vagina is stretched so it won't look the same as it used to.

You can let out a sigh of relief because it's nothing like the plastic seal that breaks once opened. On the other hand, the vagina is actually elastic.

However, you need to know what changes the vagina experiences after a normal delivery. Here's the list:

1. The vagina relaxes

As mentioned earlier, the vagina is a very elastic organ. This is because the vagina can stretch up to 10 centimeters (cm) to allow the baby to be born.

After the birth process is complete, the vagina will return to its original size as before delivery.

The vagina is surrounded by muscles that stretch during pregnancy and delivery. It is on this basis that the vaginal size may not actually return to the exact same it was before delivery.

In other words, one of the visible changes in the vagina after childbirth is its slightly looser size.

Launching from the NHS, the vagina usually looks more loose and "empty" than before giving birth.

Although it is elastic, the size of the vagina after giving birth does not really come back to exactly as before.

The extent to which vaginal changes can be affected depends on several factors, such as the size of the baby's body and the use of labor aids including vacuum extraction and forceps.

How to fix it

Vaginal changes that are loose may not return completely after childbirth. However, you can improve this condition by doing Kegel exercises regularly.

Kegel exercises also help prevent urinary incontinence later in life. So that the results are more optimal, try to routinely do Kegel exercises 4-6 times a day for a few minutes.

2. Dry vagina

It's normal for the vagina to feel drier and tighter than usual after giving birth.

This is because the vaginal walls are lubricated with fluid. This lubricating fluid in the vaginal wall is influenced by the hormone estrogen.

That is why, vaginal dryness after childbirth can be due to high levels of estrogen during pregnancy which then shrinks postpartum.

As a result, you may experience a drier, slightly uncomfortable vaginal discharge during sex after delivery.

Plus the hormones estrogen and progesterone decrease drastically after childbirth. If you breastfeed your baby exclusively, the hormone estrogen can decrease even more.

The reason is, high estrogen can interfere with milk production in the body. This decrease in estrogen levels causes the vagina to become dry.

How to fix it

Vaginal dryness after childbirth usually recovers on its own. Because over time, estrogen levels in the body will return to what they were before childbirth.

Some ways that can be done to deal with postpartum vaginal dryness, namely:

• Use lubricants during sexual intercourse
• Use latex or polyisoprene condoms during sex
• Foreplaylonger before starting sex
• Avoidvaginal douchingand vaginal cleansing soap
• Keep your body hydrated by drinking enough water
• Eat nutritious postpartum foods

If you have tried this method but the vagina still feels dry, you should consult your doctor further.

3. The vagina hurts

Apart from being slightly loose and dry, another vaginal change is pain after childbirth.

According to the Mayo Clinic page, this condition is due to the doctor making incisions and stitches in the vaginal area during childbirth.

Just like wounds on other body parts, wounds in the vagina can also make you complain of pain and tenderness.

In fact, the area of ​​the perineum (between the vagina and anus) can hurt from an episiotomy tear.

How to fix it

Some efforts to reduce complaints of pain in the vagina after childbirth, namely:

• Apply an ice pack to the vagina
• Use a soft pillow as a base every time you sit down
• Sit in a warm tub of water while you shower to give your vagina a comfortable fit
• Take pain relievers as directed by your doctor

Immediately consult a doctor if the vagina feels more painful and does not heal.

Also make sure you always keep the area of ​​the vagina, perineum, and anus clean by washing your hands before and after defecating or urinating.

Don't forget to be diligent about changing sanitary napkins while you are still experiencing lochia bleeding during the puerperium.

How is sex after childbirth?

Mothers are advised to wait about 4-6 weeks if they want to have sex after giving birth.

Sometimes, the desire to have sex may not return after childbirth because it is just a tiring process plus busy caring for the baby.

Mothers may also feel worried that sex will hurt because the vagina has not fully healed after giving birth.

This concern can also be experienced by mothers who have just had a cesarean delivery because the caesarean section scars have not healed properly.

However, you don't need to worry because your body needs time to recover.

When you are ready to make love again, you can try various sex positions that are most comfortable after giving birth.

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