Will Uterine Prolapse Affect My Next Pregnancy?

If you’re thinking about adding to your family, it’s crucial to consider all aspects of your health that might affect your pregnancy journey. One such condition that often goes unnoticed until it becomes a major issue is uterine prolapse. This can impact women who have given birth multiple times or those with weakened pelvic floor muscles, potentially complicating future pregnancies.

Understanding Uterine Prolapse

Uterine prolapse is a common issue that many women face, especially those who have had several children or have weak pelvic floor muscles. This happens when the muscles and ligaments that hold the uterus in place get weak, causing the uterus to drop down into or stick out of the vagina.

The seriousness of uterine prolapse can differ. In mild cases, the uterus only drops a little bit, but in severe cases, it can stick out completely from the vaginal opening. The usual signs of this condition include a feeling of heaviness or pressure in the pelvis, back pain, problems controlling urine, and difficulty with bowel movements.

It’s important to understand what causes uterine prolapse and its symptoms so that it can be managed well during pregnancy. Some reasons for this condition include having many pregnancies and vaginal births, getting older, changes in hormones, being overweight, chronic coughing, and inherited traits.

Knowing these causes, you can work with your doctor to develop a good plan to manage uterine prolapse.

Symptoms of Uterine Prolapse

Women who are in the early stage of uterine prolapse might not have any symptoms. However, women who have moderate or severe prolapse will feel uncomfortable in the womb area and may have the following symptoms:

• A feeling of pressure on your pelvis. You may feel like you are sitting on a small ball.
• Feeling painful during sexual intercourse.
• Having difficulty with sexual intercourse.
• Uterine protruding out of the vagina.
• Constipation or difficulty in bowel movement.
• Difficulty with urination.
• Lower backache.

If you develop the above symptoms, you should get advice from your doctors as soon as possible. Do not wait until it’s too late.

Effects on Fertility and Pregnancy

You might be concerned that uterine prolapse will affect the chances of you getting pregnant. Don’t worry; your fertility is not affected by the position of your uterus, but it may be due to other reasons. If you have any concerns regarding your fertility, you may consult a doctor to learn more information about this.

However, you might find it difficult to conceive naturally as uterine prolapse may cause difficulties in sexual intercourse. On top of that, the chance of you getting pregnant might reduce if the uterine prolapse is severe to the extent that it prolapses out of the vagina. 

This is because the uterus pushes out the deposited sperm and exposes them to air, which causes the sperm to die. Again, there is always a way out, and we would advise you to first consult your doctor to determine the severity of your uterine prolapse.

Considering Pregnancy with Uterine Prolapse

Choosing to pursue pregnancy while dealing with uterine prolapse takes thoughtful planning. Key factors to consider include the extent of the prolapse, previous pregnancy outcomes, overall health, and personal wishes.

Engaging in open and honest discussions with gynaecologists is crucial during this decision-making phase. Your gynaecologist will assess the severity of your uterine prolapse and decide if it’s safe for you to conceive and carry a baby. They will also evaluate other potential health risks you might face, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and create a detailed plan to manage these along with your uterine prolapse during the pregnancy.

Together, you will consider both the possible risks and benefits, considering your health and the baby’s well-being.

Risks and Considerations During Pregnancy

Although it’s possible to have a healthy pregnancy with uterine prolapse, it’s important to understand the potential risks and complications that can occur due to this condition.

Women with uterine prolapse are at a higher risk of facing several pregnancy-related issues, such as miscarriage, preterm birth, prolonged labour, challenges during delivery, and complications after giving birth.

However, meticulous prenatal care, continuous monitoring, and healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce these risks.

Throughout pregnancy, regular check-ups, ultrasounds, and ongoing monitoring are vital to safeguard the health of both mother and baby. Your gynaecologist will monitor your uterus’s position, track any changes in its condition, and address any concerns as they emerge.

Additionally, they might suggest pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the uterus and offer advice on maintaining proper posture and body mechanics to help relieve symptoms.

Prevention

After giving birth, you can take some actions to reduce the risk of uterine prolapse:

Get Postnatal Massages

During the confinement period, you can book postnatal massages as part of your postnatal care. You must note that postnatal massage differs from the usual relaxation massage. 

A professional and qualified therapist who is well-trained in performing postnatal massage will focus on massaging your uterus. Postnatal massage helps the discharge of lochia in your uterus.

At the same time, it speeds up your body and uterus recovery and eases your body’s discomforts.

Avoid Heavy Lifting

You should avoid heavy lifting and use correct posture, especially when carrying your baby. When lifting things, you can pack them in smaller quantities. 

Meanwhile, use a trolley instead of a basket when you shop, and seek assistance when carrying heavy items.

Do Kegel Exercises

Other than that, you can live a healthier lifestyle by starting with pelvic floor muscle training, such as kegel exercises. Perform kegel exercises regularly, as they can strengthen your pelvic muscle. 

Meanwhile, some yoga centres provide postnatal yoga classes. Postnatal yoga especially focuses on promoting your body’s recovery after giving birth.

While welcoming a new family member, don’t forget about your postnatal care. You need to take care of your body before and after giving birth to your baby. 

Closing Words

Remember to get assistance and advice from professionals for a smoother postnatal recovery. They can help you answer those burning questions like how a prolapsed uterus affects pregnancy or can get pregnant with a prolapsed uterus…or even what a pregnancy with existing prolapse will be like. These questions are best left to the professionals, such as how massages are best left to our PNSG massage therapists!