The birth of a child is a momentous occasion, and it is pretty easy for new mothers to get caught up in the joys and responsibilities of welcoming their little ones. However, more often than not, they tend to ignore their health during this hectic and exciting time. Postpartum vaginal health is one such vital area that tends to get overlooked. This is an essential part of the postpartum recovery process, especially for women who have undergone vaginal birth.
In this article, we take a brief look at all aspects of vaginal health after delivery, including what issues to expect and tips on how to resolve them.
Vaginal delivery is the most commonly practised method of childbirth around the world. In the context of childbirth, the vagina is often referred to as the birth canal. This is the final part of a baby's pathway from the uterus to the outside world. To help deliver the baby, the skin and muscles of the vagina undergo a tremendous amount of stretching and pressure. During the final phase of labour, the labia and the perineum (the area between the vagina and rectum) stretch significantly and eventually reach their maximum limit during childbirth. This allows the baby’s body to move safely and outside the mother’s body. To hasten the delivery process, a procedure called episiotomy, where an incision is made in the area between the vaginal opening and the anus, may also be performed.
The physical strain of childbirth takes a heavy toll on the health of the vagina, thus necessitating the need for identifying potential health issues and taking remedial steps towards vaginal recovery after the birth of the child. Given below are some of the common issues women face after vaginal delivery as well as a few tips on how to manage or resolve these issues:
One of the most common issues women face after delivery is postpartum bleeding. Vaginal discharge is usually heaviest during the first 10 days, and passing small clots is normal in the first week. This is actually the body’s way of expelling unwanted materials such as:
● Blood
● Bacteria and microorganisms
● Excess fetal membranes
● Cervical mucus
● Tissue lining of the uterus
● Amniotic fluid
This is a form of vaginal discharge that looks like menstrual bleeding. Bright red bleeding is common in the initial days after childbirth, which gradually changes to pink, then brown, and eventually yellow or creamy before stopping. Medical attention should be sought if clots are larger than a quarter. This vaginal discharge usually lessens over time and stops by around six
weeks postpartum. Contact your gynaecologist in case the postpartum bleeding is too heavy or there is foul-smelling or greenish vaginal discharge.
Vaginal discharge is inevitable after delivery. Use sanitary napkins or pads to reduce the chances of undergarments or clothes staining. However, the use of tampons is discouraged during this time period, as it could cause bacterial infections.
Vaginal discomfort after pregnancy includes a feeling of soreness in and around the vaginal region. As stated earlier, the birth canal undergoes tremendous levels of stretching to enable the baby to pass through. Also, to ensure the baby is delivered safely without any sort of duress, the obstetrician may perform an episiotomy. This procedure often requires stitches afterwards, which help the area heal properly post-delivery. In such cases, it is quite natural for the new mom to suffer from vaginal soreness.
If there is vaginal soreness, it might be best to sit on a pillow placed over a chair or sofa, or even the bed. Pain meds can also be of help, so long as the consulting doctor has approved their usage. New moms need to take extra care if they have had an episiotomy, as their stitches need to heal properly. They can use warm water to wash themselves after they use the toilet. They can also use sitz baths filled with warm water to relieve discomfort. However, hot water can be avoided, as it may dissolve the stitches too quickly.
Another postpartum issue that new moms face is vaginal dryness, whereby there is an itchy or dry sensation in or around the vagina. The vagina is usually moist due to the presence of a thin layer of cervical mucus, the production of which is stimulated by the estrogen hormone. However, following the baby's delivery and the start of breastfeeding, estrogen levels will temporarily decrease, thus leading to vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness could also be caused by postpartum thyroiditis, which is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. This health condition could lead to light bleeding or uncomfortable sexual intercourse.
Usually, postpartum vaginal dryness will resolve on its own once the mother stops breastfeeding her child, as the estrogen levels will come back to normal levels. In the meantime, vaginal creams and lubricants may be prescribed to manage the issue.
Vaginal laxity occurs immediately after childbirth. The vagina stretches to extreme levels in order to allow the baby to pass through. Because of this, most new moms feel a noticeable looseness or lack of tightness in the vaginal area during the initial weeks postpartum. This is absolutely normal, especially if:
● The baby was large
● Forceps were used during the delivery
● There have been more than one vaginal delivery
● Changes in vaginal tissues due to age or other factors
New moms can breathe a sigh of relief: vaginal laxity usually resolves on its own. The tone and resilience of the vaginal muscles return as time goes by. However, they can opt for Kegel exercises or pelvic floor exercises to tone the vaginal muscles.
New moms should take the necessary steps to ensure they receive adequate postpartum care for vaginal health after they have delivered their child. This is important for ensuring their health and safety during recovery and preventing long-term complications. Proper postpartum care can help speed up the healing process, reduce discomfort, and support the body returning to its pre-pregnancy state. Moreover, reduced postpartum discomfort and pain will ensure the new mom is in a comfortable state, both physically and mentally. Thus, they will be able to bond peacefully with their baby.
There will be substantial changes since the vagina or birth canal undergoes immense stress during the birthing process. Vaginal laxity, soreness, dryness and discharge are some of the issues to be expected during the postpartum period.
Yes, vaginal discomfort may be experienced by new moms.
Postpartum vaginal dryness is quite common due to the decline in estrogen levels, and it can be managed by using vaginal creams and lubricants as prescribed by the doctor.
