Women's organs become narrower after childbirth. Modifications to the vagina after childbirth - myths and reality. Restoration of the cardiovascular system

It is impossible to bear and give birth to a child without changes in the woman’s body and its individual organs.

The vagina, from which, in fact, the stage of conception and the subsequent birth of a baby begins, is no exception. It participates in many actions of the physiological process that completes pregnancy, so it inevitably transforms.

However, the special structure of the vagina does not allow it to change its shape; it undergoes changes of a different nature. A young parent feels undesirable changes in general well-being and intimate life.

Rehabilitation is different for every woman. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with all the nuances so that the woman’s internal reproductive organ is restored as quickly as possible.

What changes are happening

The vagina is a muscular-elastic tubular formation located in the woman’s pelvis. It has different lengths for each specific situation.

In a normal state, its size rarely exceeds 10 cm, and in a state of sexual arousal - about 15 cm. As it became clear, nature has taken everything into account. The average size the male genital organ fully complies with these parameters.

Many "experts" internal structure And morphological characteristics female body They claim that the size of the vagina is determined by the woman’s height. The taller the female, the longer her genitals will be.

This is a legend, unconfirmed scientifically. The parameters of the vagina completely depend on the location and structure of the abdominal organs. According to statistics, there are often cases when a woman of short stature was the owner of a deep vagina or vice versa.

Most men are inclined to believe that before the birth of the child, the vagina of their significant other was small and tight, and after pregnancy its size became wider. This is far from true.

The vagina does not change its size after childbirth. The outline and shape of the surface of its walls undergo changes. Thus, there is no reason for concern, since all transformations that occur with a woman’s elastic genital organ return to normal over time.

Let's look at possible reversible complications in more detail.

Stretching

As the fetus passes through it, the relief of the vaginal walls becomes smoother, and the layer of longitudinal and transverse muscles is stretched. Under such circumstances, this is considered a normal and natural process.

Over the course of two months, the elasticity of muscle structures returns to normal due to contraction.

Edema

Swelling does not cause discomfort in a woman and goes away without medication after 3-4 days.

Cracks and abrasions

This consequence occurs after every second birth. If a specialist physiological signs suggests that the walls of the vagina may undergo rupture, then in the process of uncontrolled contractions of the uterus, an episiotomy is performed - a surgical incision of the perineum.

This will allow you to control the stages of tissue structure divergence. The birth process opens the vagina wide, its walls are injured, as a result of which they become a thick bloody color with a bluish tint.

The surface of the walls is covered with cracks and shallow wounds. It will take no more than two weeks to restore such damage.

The swelling will disappear, the cracks will undergo fibroplasia (healing phase), and the walls will acquire a pink-peach hue.

Changing the relief of the walls

The relief of the walls of the woman's genital organ changes. It is for this reason that men have an opinion about increasing the size of the vagina.

A nulliparous woman has a pronounced relief of the walls, and in new mothers it is evened out and smoothed out. Therefore, during sexual intercourse, men feel the expansion of the woman’s muscular channel, which causes some discomfort and incomplete satisfaction. The problem is solved by selecting a suitable pose.

Such changes in the structure of the organ affect absolutely all women in labor. The only difference is the rehabilitation period, some disorders and a number of uncomfortable sensations that can develop as a result of the aggravating consequences of the movement of the fetus and placenta.

Under such circumstances, the slightest delay can result in serious complications, so seeing a doctor and timely medication is the right decision on the path to a quick recovery.

Learn more about myths and prejudices about the vagina after childbirth in the video.

Deviations from the norm

Unpleasant and uncomfortable sensations in the vaginal area after the birth process are, unfortunately, not uncommon.

In some cases, they turn into serious problems for women that require proper treatment. To avoid this, the parent must know how to quickly eliminate negative manifestations.

Pain

Women often experience pain after childbirth. In some they have a pronounced character, in others pain syndrome develops less intensively.

This symptom is caused by a rupture of the walls or perineum, which was subsequently stitched up. The pain is concentrated in the area where the suture material passes, since it is almost impossible to apply it without affecting the nerve endings.

After 14 days, the bundles of nerve fibers adapt and return to normal, and discomfort in the genital area ceases to cause concern.

Rotten smell

Rotting of the sutures, inflammatory processes in the genital hollow organ can cause an unpleasant putrid odor from the vagina.

In this case, you should not self-medicate. A specialist examination and long-term drug therapy are required.

Decreased sensitivity

After childbirth, many women note a loss of sensitivity or a slight decrease in it.

This undesirable consequence occurs due to sagging vaginal walls and destruction of nerve endings. It will take some time for the nerve fibers to fully recover.

In this case, there is no need to panic; you need to be patient, and the woman will again be able to react to a certain external influence.

Omission

In some cases, the muscle structures of the pelvic diaphragm become severely weakened. This makes it impossible for them to retain organs.

Doctors call this phenomenon prolapse of the vagina after labor, which has several degrees of severity:

incomplete prolapse of the vaginal walls(there is no exit beyond its aisles);
prolapse with protrusion outward;
absolute(complete) loss.

Discharge

After the birth process, the vagina is restored by the release of characteristic discharge, which should not frighten the woman.

They look like lochia (specific mucus), which includes dead cells and tissue of the uterine endometrium, as well as blood fragments. Postpartum mucus comes out in stages, namely over the course of two months.

In the first phase of the recovery period, lochia can be confused with the beginning menstrual cycle. They come out in abundance and have a characteristic blood-purple color.

Over time, the mucus changes color to a yellowish color and comes out less intensely, gradually disappearing altogether.

If, after 8 weeks after the birth of the baby, lochia continues to come out, you cannot do without medical help. The doctor will determine the true cause of the pathology and prescribe proper treatment.

Dryness

The recovery period of a woman in labor is often accompanied by vaginal dryness, which causes a lot of discomfort.

This manifestation is due to a decrease in steroid hormones produced by the ovaries.

Most often, dryness is diagnosed during lactation. Over time, this undesirable consequence disappears on its own.

Itching

If a woman feels itching in the vagina, it is better to consult a doctor without delay. This symptom may be due to an allergy to synthetic sutures or an antiseptic used during the process of the fetus leaving the uterus.

Under any circumstances, solving the problem is the doctor's responsibility. He will conduct a certain series of studies and prescribe effective therapy.

More often, an undesirable manifestation is eliminated by douching. The situation becomes aggravated if the itching sensation is accompanied by a foul odor and lochia. This indicates that the inflammatory process has begun.

Recovery

The duration of vaginal recovery depends on many factors:

whether there were purulent discharges that provoked the formation of scar tissue on the walls;
whether the expectant mother performed specially designed exercises to strengthen the muscular structures of the vagina;
what condition the woman is in mentally and physically;
fetal head size;
quality of suture material;
difficulty of childbirth.

If the birth took place quickly or for a long time, and the fetus was large, the number and depth of the tears increases.

If during the delivery process the obstetrician had to resort to sutures, especially in the perineal area, then the woman will experience discomfort for up to 12 weeks until the sutured nerve endings adapt.

The birth stretch of the vagina is restored within 2 months.

For a quick postpartum period, experts give several recommendations:

At the first stage of rehabilitation, the traditional form intimate communication must be changed. The release of secretions through an open cervix can pose a risk of infection.
The perineum must be washed with running water and intimate hygiene products after each visit to the restroom.
Change postpartum pads every 4-5 hours.
Replenish your diet with foods that have laxative properties. It is better to exclude flour products. If difficulties with emptying do arise, wax and glycerin will help solve the problem.
To ensure that the seams receive proper ventilation, underwear must be removed during the day.
Areas of tissue scarring should be treated with an antiseptic at least twice a day.
As soon as sexual intercourse resumes, it is advisable to use moisturizing lubricants for a while so as not to injure the walls of the vagina.
During night sleep, it is necessary to free the body from the obligatory fabric elements that create favorable hygienic conditions (panties, bikini) and sleep on a sterile diaper.
After 4 weeks of rehabilitation, a set of Kegel exercises is recommended, which will help strengthen the muscle layers of the vagina.

Kegel exercises are performed as follows:

tense the vaginal muscles for 10-15 seconds;
relax the genital organ for the same time.
perform 3 passes for each manipulation.

The training is carried out daily. This will allow a woman’s body to return to normal, establish sexual relationships and fully experience the joy of motherhood.

If labor has led to the use of a surgical incision of the perineum, the woman is prohibited from:

lift heavy objects;
walk quickly;
sit down on a hard surface.

Only after two weeks is it allowed to sit on the buttock located opposite the incision. For a sitting position, it is better to use an elastic circle, this will promote adequate scarring.

Watch the video about exercises for the vagina after childbirth.

Pregnancy, bearing a child and childbirth - all these stages are accompanied by certain changes in female body. The vagina also participates in the physiological process, accordingly, and it inevitably transforms. After the baby is born, a young mother may experience negative signs, discomfort and unfavorable changes in the intimate sphere. And all this is the result of change vagina after childbirth.

The vagina is a tube-shaped sexual organ, the structure of which consists of elastic muscles. It is located in the small pelvis. The organ can vary in length: in a normal (calm) state its size is 10 cm, at the time of sexual arousal it increases to 15 cm.

Vagina after childbirth does not significantly change its shape. Some women may feel that their penis becomes less elastic and stretched after having a baby. The first time after delivery, the organ’s shape is transformed, but after a certain period (recovery period), all parameters and dimensions of the vagina return to normal.

Reversible postpartum changes in the perineum

Many people are interested in the question what does the vagina look like after childbirth? After the baby is born, the internal organ changes its shape and, accordingly, its external outline. But all these processes are reversible.

Possible reversible changes to the perineum:

Stretching. As the baby passes through the genital tract, the vaginal walls are smoothed and the muscles are stretched. This feature is a physiological norm; only in this way will the fetus be able to “pass” through the birth canal and be born. Recovering perineum after childbirth within 2 months. During this period, the muscle structures again become elastic and elastic.
Swelling. Vaginal swelling does not cause discomfort for women. The young mother notes that the genital organ is swollen, but additional symptoms (pain, burning, itching) do not occur. Swelling of the perineum does not require therapeutic treatment and goes away on its own 4-6 days after birth.
Wounds, abrasions, cracks. Ruptures may occur during delivery. If the doctor assumes that the walls of the perineum may be subject to injury during childbirth, then he performs an episiotomy (an incision in the perineum). During childbirth, the vagina opens wide, its walls are injured, which contributes to a change in their color (become bright red or bloody with a bluish tint). It will take about 2 weeks to restore the injured vaginal walls.
Changing the relief of the walls. In nulliparous women, the relief of the perineal walls is more pronounced. After childbirth, the relief smoothes out. During sexual intercourse, men may notice that their woman’s internal organ has changed after childbirth, this affects the quality of sexual intercourse. How to restore the vagina after childbirth? While the recovery period lasts, the young woman can still choose the most convenient and comfortable position for herself in order to receive sexual satisfaction.

Deviations after childbirth

After childbirth, any woman feels discomfort. But it is important to distinguish discomfort from the onset of development of the pathological process.

The following symptoms are a reason to contact a doctor immediately:

pain in the perineum;
rotten smell;
decreased sensitivity of the walls;
prolapse of the genital organs;
discharge in the form of mucus, as well as interspersed with blood and pus;
dryness;

Appearance vagina before and after childbirth very different. After the recovery period, the perineum regains its former shape, the cracks heal, the tissues are regenerated, and the walls of the internal organ become pink.

Restoring the body after childbirth

During the process of bearing a child and during childbirth, significant hormonal changes occur in the body. Changes affect not only the reproductive system, but also other organs. Many things change dramatically, and therefore, of course, recovery of the body after childbirth takes a certain amount of time: not one or two weeks. How long it takes for the body to recover after childbirth is different in each specific case, but it is possible to generalize and derive a certain average norm.

The female body after childbirth
Myths and truth about rejuvenation

The female body after childbirth

After childbirth, a woman’s body does not immediately begin to function as it did before pregnancy. It took a long 9 months to give a start to a new life, so recovery will also take place gradually, step by step, and a complete return to the previous state will occur no earlier than in 2-3 months - and this is only in the case when the woman is absolutely healthy and doesn't practice.

Knowing what happens to the female body after childbirth, you can more clearly imagine the entire recovery period. Let's try to record all the changes in the form of a table to make it easier.

Table 1.

Internal organs (system, function)	Changes	When will it recover
Uterus	Immediately after the birth of the child and expulsion of the fetus, the uterus weighs 1 kg and takes on a spherical shape. It becomes half lighter in 10 days if it contracts normally.	It returns to its “old” form very quickly – after 2 months it looks the same as before. Its weight is 100 g. The weight of the organ of a woman who has not given birth is 50 grams.
Cervix	Forever changing form. Instead of conical it becomes cylindrical. The external pharynx becomes slit-like and not round, but this can only be seen by a gynecologist. After caesarean section no such changes	After 3 months it functions as before
Menstrual function	The uterus takes on a more physiological position, so it often goes away menstrual pain. recovers after stopping feeding,	After 2–3 months – in non-lactating women. Breastfeeding may not recover until breastfeeding ends.
Vagina	Muscles may lose elasticity and tears may occur.	By the end of 2 months everything is healing. Muscle tone is restored. Kegel exercises are very helpful. These simple steps will help bring your stomach back to normal after childbirth.
Breast	Fills up, may sag after finishing feeding	Perhaps the previous form will not be completely restored, but this does not mean that “ new form" will be worse. You just shouldn’t leave it to chance and do exercises aimed at toning the pectoral muscles.
Musculoskeletal system	The spine was somewhat smoothed, the pelvis expanded, the joints were very mobile	Changes gradually, over 3-4 months, pass
Stomach	The stomach “hangs”, a skin fold forms	Usually disappears completely within 1-2 years (if you do not neglect physical exercises)
The cardiovascular system	Increased blood supply. Fetal pressure may cause hemorrhoids	Returns to normal in 3-4 weeks.

Myths and truth about rejuvenation after pregnancy and childbirth

Nowadays you can often come across statements online that the body of a “newly made” mother is rejuvenating. What happens to the body after childbirth - is this opinion true?

What happens to a woman’s body after childbirth?

If you pay attention to how long it takes the body to recover after childbirth, it becomes clear: in fact, it is significantly weakened by the stress experienced. In a woman with hidden chronic illnesses, the following may first appear:

arthritis and other joint diseases;
pyelonephritis;
hormonal problems;
diabetes mellitus (if a woman develops it during pregnancy).

If you notice that your body takes a long time to recover after childbirth, perhaps one of these diseases is making itself known. Old “sores” that already existed also become aggravated, especially after the second birth: for example, hemorrhoids, herpes. Based on how the body recovers after childbirth, some conclusions can be drawn about the woman’s health. If recovery processes take too long, you should consider a comprehensive examination.

Data from medical examinations also indicate a decrease in the level of “bad” cholesterol. Many women seem to become “smarter” with the birth of a child: they have to constantly keep their finger on the pulse of events, engage in the development of the child, and therefore develop themselves.

During the entire 9 months of pregnancy, eggs do not mature in the ovaries, which means that the reproductive function - the ability to become a mother - is prolonged. before all other cells in the body - this is a proven fact. Pregnancy delays this irreversible process.

Almost all women, when they calm down a little after the birth of the baby, wonder how to restore the body faster after childbirth, especially if it is not “behaving” very well and does not return to normal.

The transition time is different for everyone. At breastfeeding Usually the body recovers quickly.

When the uterus is completely cleansed and birth injuries have healed, you can begin physical exercise - little by little and very carefully. After 2 months (in case of complicated childbirth, in case of caesarean section - discussed with the doctor), sexual relations are allowed. The orgasm experienced by a woman helps speed up the recovery and healing processes due to a powerful rush of blood to the pelvic organs.

It is advisable to take special vitamins, especially if your hair is falling out more than usual and your nails are peeling.

Caring for your baby and walking with a stroller will help you stay in good physical shape for the first time. Then you should add a series of exercises. For example, if weakness of the vaginal muscles and urinary incontinence are observed, you need to do Kegel exercises: alternately squeezing and relaxing the muscles. Another exercise from this series: you need to push for about 30 seconds, then sharply relax the vaginal muscles. After some time, the tone will return.

In order not to lose the beautiful shape of your breasts, you need to wear a supportive bra and use creams and masks for stretch marks.

The situation is somewhat more complicated with fat deposits in the waist and abdomen. You cannot lose weight sharply, even if you are no longer breastfeeding - this is harmful for the woman herself. Stretch marks and sagging skin in such cases are almost inevitable.

You should focus not on reducing your diet, but on physical activity: 2.5-3 months after giving birth, start pumping your abs from a lying position (this reduces the load on your back). Daily long walking at an energetic pace, gentle stretching of muscles, pumping up the abs - all this will help you quickly get back into good shape.

And one more important point: a young mother must definitely find time for herself to get enough sleep, relax a little in silence, just lie down. Therefore, do not try to do everything yourself, ask household members for help in caring for the baby. The more and better you rest, the sooner you will recover, and your former health and energy will return.

Changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth affect the condition of the female body. The rehabilitation period takes different times for each mother. Vaginal healing after childbirth is a natural process that can be helped.

Organ changes

The passage of a child through the birth canal leads to changes in the muscular structure of the vagina. They are symptomatic in nature, affecting the physiology and functioning of the organ. On average, the female body returns to its previous shape within 2-3 months.

How long the vagina takes to recover depends on how the birth process went. Heavy weight child, quick birth, episiotomy - all these factors affect changes in the uterus and vagina.

What happens to the perineum after childbirth? During the birth of the baby, the vaginal walls are stretched, swelling appears, and ruptures and abrasions are possible. The relief of the walls changes, it becomes smoother, and the size of the organ increases.

What happens to the vagina after childbirth:

sensitivity changes;
pain appears;
drooping walls;
possible itching, dryness, unpleasant odor;
changes in the quantity and quality of discharge;
ruptures, cuts and microcracks;
the terrain changes.

Swelling will go away 3-4 days after birth. Sensitivity decreases due to the fact that the muscles stretch and become flabby. Difficult or multiple births lead to prolapse of the vaginal walls. Such a change will require surgical treatment.

Pressure in the perineum after childbirth, caused by contractions of the uterus, causes discomfort. Pain is caused by ruptures, cracks, or episiotomy performed by obstetricians. In this case, the wounds heal from 30 to 45 days, depending on the depth.

The discharge, called postpartum lochia, is considered a natural reaction of the body. Lochia goes on for 6-8 weeks. Dryness occurs due to a decrease in the hormone estrogen and an increase in prolactin. Normalization of microflora occurs after completion of breastfeeding.

Restore size and muscle tone

Recovery of the vaginal muscles takes 6 to 8 weeks. The muscular organ, when the fetus passes through it, stretches, expands and loses elasticity. During the recovery period, the tone will return to normal and the original size will return.

How the vagina recovers after childbirth:

the uterus contracts, gradually acquiring its previous shape;
vaginal muscle tone is restored;
microflora is normalized.

The time frame for the perineal muscles to come into shape after childbirth depends on individual characteristics body. After diagnosing the changes, in the postpartum period, therapy to restore the perineum is prescribed.

How to restore the vagina after childbirth:

refrain from intimate relationships;
perform special gymnastics;
use gels and oils.

To speed up the recovery of the vagina, gynecologists recommend abstaining from intimate relationships for two months. This is necessary to prevent inflammation of the vagina and infection of the genitals.

How long does it take for the vagina to recover after childbirth? The recovery time of the female genital organs after the birth of a child takes about two months. In order for the vagina to quickly recover, a woman in labor must follow all the recommendations of the gynecologist.

Intimate gymnastics will help tone your muscles and improve blood circulation. Kegel exercises are performed daily. At proper care It will be possible to restore the vaginal muscles after childbirth in the shortest possible time.

Restoration of microflora and dryness

The microflora changes under the influence of childbirth and is accompanied by itching, dryness, and discomfort. The discharge becomes copious, cloudy, and has an unpleasant odor. Restoration of the vaginal microflora begins immediately after childbirth.

Rules for the treatment of microflora and dryness:

exclude fatty and fried foods from the menu;
consume daily dairy products;
wearing underwear from natural materials;
avoid stress.

In the fight against inflammatory processes that change the microflora of the vagina, they also help medications And vaginal suppositories. The drugs treat the disease by exerting a local effect.

Prescribed drugs:

Kipferon. The course of treatment is 10 days;
Bifidumbacterin. Apply in the morning for 10 days;
Lactobacterin. Contains beneficial bacteria. Course – 10 days.

Prescribed tablets for dysbacteriosis. In this case, the importance of treatment and the safety of the drug during breastfeeding are assessed.

Antibacterial gels effectively restore the vaginal microflora during the postpartum period. The drugs fight harmful microorganisms and stabilize acidity. They are used every time you wash.

Folk remedies for mothers are allowed after consultation with a gynecologist. Douching is used with herbal solutions. Tampons soaked in honey or kefir are effective.

The internal environment of the vagina is one of the most important components women's health. After childbirth, it is important to monitor the microflora and, if necessary, maintain it in normal condition.

Repairing tears and cuts

Any postpartum injury requires treatment. Tears and incisions are treated and sutured immediately after the baby is born. For this purpose, materials are used that dissolve during the healing process.

To speed up the recovery process, it is not recommended to sit on a hard surface for two weeks. The exception is sitting on the toilet. This will help prevent the stitches from coming apart and speed up the healing period. After 10 days, doctors allow you to sit on a rubber ball or a soft pillow.

Perineal care after childbirth includes:

personal hygiene after each trip to the toilet;
use of disposable panties;
change postpartum pads every 3 hours;
applying ice;
medical treatment with potassium permanganate or brilliant green.

After discharge from the hospital, it is recommended to make lotions and baths with a decoction of chamomile and calendula. Instead of toilet paper, it is better to use wet wipes with antibacterial action. To speed up wound healing, ointments are used, for example, Bepanten.

Deep tears can cause tissue inflammation. If complications occur in the suture area, it is prescribed drug treatment or surgery. In the future, if deformation of the muscle tissue occurs, the woman will be able to correct the defect using laser technology or plastic surgery.

In most cases, healing occurs fairly quickly, leaving no visible scars. Sensitivity will return after the vagina is completely restored. Exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles are effective for healing.

Exercises to make your vagina smaller

Intimate life after childbirth worries every mother. Gymnastics of the vaginal muscles helps restore the elasticity of the walls, restore muscle tone and previous size. Weakened vaginal muscles lead to urinary incontinence, uterine prolapse and lack of sensitivity in intimate life.

How to train vaginal muscles after childbirth:

Kegel exercises;
exercise Lift;
Step-free therapy;
physiotherapeutic procedures with weights.

The Kegel method is used for intimate exercise to restore vaginal tone. Exercises are performed daily, at least three times. Gradually the number of approaches can be increased.

How to pump up vaginal muscles after childbirth:

you need to lie on your back and bend your knees;
the pose should be comfortable. Breathing is calm and deep;
The vaginal muscles are strongly tensed, held for 2-3 seconds and relaxed. Repeat the exercise at least 5 times;
squeezing and unclenching the vaginal tube is performed in three sets of 10 seconds;
strain the vagina for 10 seconds, rest for 15 seconds and repeat the exercise again at least 5 times.

The “Lift” exercise got its name because of the structure of the vagina. A woman needs to imagine that the organ has several floors. During execution, he tenses and relaxes gradually.
Step-free therapy strengthens the pelvic floor muscles. It uses vaginal cones that are inserted into the vagina and must be held by tightening and relaxing. During the process of vaginal restoration, the weight of the cone changes.

Physiotherapeutic procedures are carried out using medical equipment that affects the quality of muscle tissue. The procedures are painless, have no rehabilitation period and are allowed for breastfeeding women.

Intimate plastic surgery

Intimate plastic surgery allows not only to tighten the vaginal muscles, but also to correct the appearance of the genital organs. Intimate contour plastic surgery has virtually no complications. The use of modern laser technologies allows for painless and quick correction operations. appearance female genital organs.

Main indications for the use of the surgical method:

change in vaginal size;
loss of sensation;
asymmetry of the labia;
involuntary urination;
scarring.

The operation is prescribed after a thorough examination of the woman. The method is used only if other measures do not help restore the previous condition of the female genital organs.

Surgical intervention has a number of contraindications:

lactation;
pregnancy;
diabetes;
low blood clotting;
HIV infections;
inflammatory diseases.

Before the operation, blood and urine tests and an ultrasound of the genital organs are required. After this, a consultation with the surgeon is held.

How the operation is done:

the procedure is done under general anesthesia or under general anesthesia;
during plastic surgery, the area that is deformed is excised and sutured;
if a woman does not plan to give birth in the future, she will have a mesh inserted that will hold the muscles in the correct position;
When suturing, materials are used that dissolve themselves during the healing process.

The postoperative period is at least 2 months. At this time, intimate relationships and sports are excluded, and heavy lifting is prohibited. After the perineum is restored, you need to see a doctor to assess the correctness of the operation.

To ensure that vaginal recovery after childbirth does not take a long time, the mother must not forget about personal hygiene, medicinal treatment, intimate gymnastics. Surgical intervention is used if the female genital organs have not recovered within two months. Intimate plastic surgery can remove scars, restore the vagina to its original shape, and relieve dryness.

It is impossible to bear and give birth to a child without changes in the woman’s body and its individual organs.

However, the special structure of the vagina does not allow it to change its shape; it undergoes changes of a different nature. A young parent feels undesirable changes in her general well-being and intimate life.

Rehabilitation is different for every woman. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with all the nuances so that the woman’s internal reproductive organ is restored as quickly as possible.

In a normal state, its size rarely exceeds 10 cm, and in a state of sexual arousal - about 15 cm. As it became clear, nature has taken everything into account. The average size of the male genital organ fully corresponds to these parameters.

Many “experts” on the internal structure and morphological characteristics of the female body claim that the size of the vagina is determined by the woman’s height. The taller the female, the longer her genitals will be.

Most men are inclined to believe that before the birth of the child, the vagina of their significant other was small and tight, and after pregnancy its size became wider. This is far from true.

Let's look at possible reversible complications in more detail.

Over the course of two months, the elasticity of muscle structures returns to normal due to contraction.

Swelling does not cause discomfort in a woman and goes away without medication after 3-4 days.

Read here what problems can be eliminated with labiaplasty.

At this address https://cosmetolog-expert.ru/intimnaya-plastika/gimeno we will discuss what the cost of restoring virginity consists of.

This consequence occurs after every second birth. If a physiological specialist assumes that the walls of the vagina may be ruptured, then in the process of uncontrolled contractions of the uterus, an episiotomy is performed - a surgical incision of the perineum.

The surface of the walls is covered with cracks and shallow wounds. It will take no more than two weeks to restore such damage.

The swelling will disappear, the cracks will undergo fibroplasia (healing phase), and the walls will acquire a pink-peach hue.

The relief of the walls of the woman's genital organ changes. It is for this reason that men have an opinion about increasing the size of the vagina.

Learn more about myths and prejudices about the vagina after childbirth in the video.

Unpleasant and uncomfortable sensations in the vaginal area after the birth process are, unfortunately, not uncommon.

In some cases, they turn into serious problems for women that require proper treatment. To avoid this, the parent must know how to quickly eliminate negative manifestations.

Women often experience pain after childbirth. In some they are pronounced, while in others the pain syndrome develops less intensely.

After 14 days, the bundles of nerve fibers adapt and return to normal, and discomfort in the genital area ceases to cause concern.

Rotting of the sutures, inflammatory processes in the genital hollow organ can cause an unpleasant putrid odor from the vagina.

In this case, you should not self-medicate. A specialist examination and long-term drug therapy are required.

After childbirth, many women note a loss of sensitivity or a slight decrease in it.

This undesirable consequence occurs due to sagging vaginal walls and destruction of nerve endings. It will take some time for the nerve fibers to fully recover.

In some cases, the muscle structures of the pelvic diaphragm become severely weakened. This makes it impossible for them to retain organs.

Doctors call this phenomenon prolapse of the vagina after labor, which has several degrees of severity:

incomplete prolapse of the vaginal walls(there is no exit beyond its aisles);
prolapse with protrusion outward;
absolute(complete) loss.

After the birth process, the vagina is restored by the release of characteristic discharge, which should not frighten the woman.

In the first phase of the recovery period, lochia can be confused with the beginning of the menstrual cycle. They come out in abundance and have a characteristic blood-purple color.

Over time, the mucus changes color to a yellowish color and comes out less intensely, gradually disappearing altogether.

In this publication we will tell you whether it is possible to restore breasts after breastfeeding.

The recovery period of a woman in labor is often accompanied by vaginal dryness, which causes a lot of discomfort.

This manifestation is due to a decrease in steroid hormones produced by the ovaries.

Most often, dryness is diagnosed during lactation. Over time, this undesirable consequence disappears on its own.

Under any circumstances, solving the problem is the doctor's responsibility. He will conduct a certain series of studies and prescribe effective therapy.

The duration of vaginal recovery depends on many factors:

whether there were purulent discharges that provoked the formation of scar tissue on the walls;
whether the expectant mother performed specially designed exercises to strengthen the muscular structures of the vagina;
what condition the woman is in mentally and physically;
fetal head size;
quality of suture material;
difficulty of childbirth.

The birth stretch of the vagina is restored within 2 months.

For a quick postpartum period, experts give several recommendations:

At the first stage of rehabilitation, the traditional form of intimate communication must be changed. The release of secretions through an open cervix can pose a risk of infection.
The perineum must be washed with running water and intimate hygiene products after each visit to the restroom.
Change postpartum pads every 4-5 hours.
Replenish your diet with foods that have laxative properties. It is better to exclude flour products. If difficulties with emptying do arise, wax and glycerin will help solve the problem.
To ensure that the seams receive proper ventilation, underwear must be removed during the day.
Areas of tissue scarring should be treated with an antiseptic at least twice a day.
As soon as sexual intercourse resumes, it is advisable to use moisturizing lubricants for a while so as not to injure the walls of the vagina.
During night sleep, it is necessary to free the body from the obligatory fabric elements that create favorable hygienic conditions (panties, bikini) and sleep on a sterile diaper.
After 4 weeks of rehabilitation, a set of Kegel exercises is recommended, which will help strengthen the muscle layers of the vagina.

Kegel exercises are performed as follows:

tense the vaginal muscles for 10-15 seconds;
relax the genital organ for the same time.
perform 3 passes for each manipulation.

The training is carried out daily. This will allow a woman’s body to return to normal, establish sexual relationships and fully experience the joy of motherhood.

If labor has led to the use of a surgical incision of the perineum, the woman is prohibited from:

lift heavy objects;
walk quickly;
sit down on a hard surface.

Only after two weeks is it allowed to sit on the buttock located opposite the incision. For a sitting position, it is better to use an elastic circle, this will promote adequate scarring.

Watch the video about exercises for the vagina after childbirth.

After reading the article, readers studied all the nuances of postpartum consequences and became familiar with ways to eliminate and prevent them.

If your life experience has your own proven methods for quickly restoring the vagina after childbirth, share your “secret” in the comments to this article.

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Immediately after the birth of a baby, a new, very important period begins in a woman’s life - the postpartum period. This term in obstetrics refers to a number of changes in women’s health associated with restoration processes in the body of a young mother. All this requires a different approach in terms of intimate hygiene...

Significant changes associated with the long months of carrying a baby and the subsequent process of his birth do not pass without leaving a trace, so it takes an average of about one and a half months to restore the normal, “pre-pregnancy” function of organs and systems. The main processes during this period are the involution of the uterus and the restoration of tissues of the birth canal.

The term “involution” refers to a reduction in the size of the uterus from a full-term pregnancy to its normal size, as well as the restoration of the endometrium, the mucous membrane lining the uterine cavity.

The internal restoration processes occurring in the body of a young mother during the postpartum period are accompanied by external characteristic manifestations - special intimate secretions called “lochia”. They can last quite a long time - up to 40 days after birth. The nature of lochia changes significantly at different stages of the postpartum period. The first three to four days after the birth of the baby, a young mother is bothered by very heavy bleeding with clots (much more abundant than the discharge on the first day of menstruation). Then the character of the lochia gradually changes: the color approaches sucrose (pinkish), and after a week and a half the discharge becomes pinkish-yellow. At the same time, the consistency and abundance of discharge changes: in the first days after childbirth, lochia can normally contain quite large clots, then the number and size of clots in intimate discharge gradually decreases and over time they cease to be discharged at all, at the same time the total volume of intimate discharge decreases.

Another important stage in the recovery process after childbirth is the healing of the vaginal mucosa and external genitalia. During childbirth, these tissues are subject to significant stretching, accompanied by the formation of microtraumas - small erosions and cracks, abrasions, and sometimes ruptures. In the latter case, stitches may be placed to improve healing and protect against infection.

Fast recovery after childbirth, successful healing of the skin and mucous membranes intimate area, absence of complications and discomfort, wellness largely depends on the young mother herself, or more precisely, on knowledge and adherence to the rules of intimate hygiene in the postpartum period. Let's look at them in more detail.

Maintaining cleanliness in the intimate area is indeed an extremely important factor in a quick and safe recovery, and most postpartum complications develop precisely against the background of irregular intimate care. It must be admitted that in the first month after childbirth, a woman is especially at risk of developing inflammatory processes in the reproductive system. There are several reasons for this. During the postpartum period, microcracks, erosions and sutures at the site of ruptures, which are the entry point for infection, may remain on the mucous membrane of the labia, vaginal walls and cervix. At the same time, the protective properties of the vaginal flora against the background of hormonal changes are significantly reduced. In addition, during this period there is a high risk of infection of the uterus itself, since the usual barrier between it and the vagina does not exist: the cervix may be slightly open, and the cervical mucus, which usually fills its canal and prevents the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the uterus, is not yet released. The placental site - a wound on the inner wall of the uterus at the placenta attachment site - is also an entry point for infection. Lochia becomes another unfavorable factor: blood is an ideal nutrient medium for the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microflora.

To top it all off, the postpartum period is characterized by a significant decrease in immunity and the body’s protective properties against the background of birth stress and hormonal changes.

To protect against postpartum infection, it is important to prevent the accumulation of lochia in the external genital area. To do this, a young mother is recommended to wash herself as often as possible. On the first day, when the discharge is especially abundant, it is advisable to do this at least once every three hours, that is, at least 6-8 times a day. Despite the abundance of special cosmetic products for intimate hygiene, in the early postpartum period, gynecologists recommend limiting washing with just warm water, without adding detergents and antiseptics. This recommendation is explained by the high sensitivity of the skin and mucous membranes of the intimate area - allergic reactions often develop even to familiar hygiene products during the postpartum period. Besides, detergents(soaps, foams, gels) and antiseptics (antimicrobial agents) degrease the tissues of the intimate area, preventing the restoration of the natural, normal flora of the genital tract, which performs protective function, and thus may not facilitate, but prolong the tissue healing process.

The optimal method of intimate hygiene during this period is the regular use of a shower or bidet, while the water stream should be of low pressure and the temperature should be slightly warm (within 40 ° C). It is especially important during this period to prevent flora from the anus from entering the intimate area, so the stream of water when washing should be directed strictly from front to back. If you are unable to wash yourself (outside the home, when changing a pad in the toilet), you can use hygienic hypoallergenic wet wipes - wipes for caring for the delicate skin of a newborn are ideal for this purpose. This should also be done strictly from front to back, from the pubis to the anus. It is important to note that deep hygienic procedures are not required at all during this period - it is enough to remove the discharge in the area of the external genitalia; You should not try to wash yourself inside or wipe the walls of the vagina.

At first (1.5–2 weeks), while postpartum discharge is abundant, gynecologists recommend using only special postpartum, or gynecological, pads. Such pads differ from conventional menstrual intimate hygiene products not only by their much greater absorbency, but also by three more important factors: they are sterile, do not cause irritation or allergies, and are highly breathable. The last property is especially important for the prevention of infection: most pathogens that can develop in a bloody environment and cause postpartum complications are anaerobes. This means that they feel better, grow and reproduce in the absence of oxygen, so access to air in the intimate area during the postpartum period is no less important than regular washing.

Special postpartum pads are medical products and can be purchased in pharmacies, medical supply stores, or in stores for expectant mothers. For ease of use and maximum air access to the intimate area, postpartum pads can be worn with special disposable mesh panties, also sold in pharmacies. During periods of heavy discharge, you need to change the pad at least once every three to four hours. Every time you change a pad, you need to wash yourself or (if this is not possible) wipe the intimate area with a damp sanitary napkin. A couple of weeks after birth, as the abundance of discharge decreases (when it becomes “spotting”) and when the mucous membrane of the external genital organs is completely healed, you can switch to panty liners, changing them throughout the day as they become dirty. It is not recommended to use tampons in the postpartum period: if the cervix is open, there is a high risk of vaginal contents reflux into the uterine cavity, so for the first month after childbirth, no manipulations requiring insertion of fingers or instruments into the vagina are performed, and hygiene procedures are limited to the area of the external genitalia.

It is important to know
During the entire postpartum period, that is, 4–6 weeks after birth, there are three restrictions in the life of a young mother: physical activity, baths and sex. Physical activity can provoke uterine bleeding, a life-threatening complication, so for the first month after giving birth, a young mother should not lift weights, play sports or do heavy household work. Refusal to take baths and, in principle, from any immersion in water during this period is associated with the risk of introducing an infection into the uterus with water, so hygiene procedures in the first month are advised to be limited to a shower or bidet, washing only from the outside. The taboo on marital relations during the healing period is also associated with a high risk of infection, as well as irritation of the mucous membrane of the genital tract in the area of microdamages or sutures. Following these restrictions is no less important than observing the rules of postpartum hygiene: the successful recovery of the body also depends on this.

Since free access of air to the intimate area is important for the prevention of postpartum infection, doctors advise young mothers to take air baths more often in the first week after childbirth. This is especially true in the first three days after birth, when the discharge is especially abundant, the mucous membrane is just beginning to recover, and the new mother spends most of her time in bed. The essence of the recommendation is very simple: during this period, pads can be used only when you get up and walk, and for the entire time you are resting in bed, remove your underwear and allow the lochia to flow freely without lingering in the intimate area. During air baths, you need to lie on your back, bend your knees and spread them apart, after placing an absorbent sterile diaper under your buttocks. It is good to arrange such ventilation 3–5 times a day for 15–30 minutes.

A separate item for intimate hyenas in the postpartum period is caring for sutures. In case of injuries to the soft tissues of the birth canal - ruptures or cuts - sutures made of sterile absorbable material are placed in the damaged area. This means that the stitches will not need to be removed later, however, for quick and successful healing, the stitched area must be properly cared for. True, this rule applies only to those seams that are located on the skin of the perineum. Sutures on the walls of the vagina and cervix do not require any special care or treatment.

In the first days after childbirth, at the initial stage of healing, while the suture area is swollen and painful, and its surface is wet, the edges of the suture should be treated with an antiseptic twice a day after washing. It is more convenient to do this in front of a mirror using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol, iodine, brilliant green or a strong solution of potassium permanganate. As the suture heals, after 3–5 days, when the swelling normally subsides and the edges of the suture dry out, you can replace antiseptics with wound-healing and anti-scar agents in the form of ointments or gels. For example, once a day you can lubricate the suture area with a product that has an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effect, and a second time with a drug that promotes the regeneration of elastin and collagen in the healing zone, so that a rough scar does not form at the suture site. During the period of primary healing of the suture - on average, within 5-7 days - it is recommended not to sit on a hard surface, so as not to put stress on the area of injury and not to provoke suture divergence. No less important factors for the successful healing of sutures are air baths, regular washing, timely change of sterile postpartum pads and wearing underwear made from natural fabrics.

The main external manifestation of the postpartum period is considered to be the release of lochia, therefore, the complete end of specific postpartum discharge is the first signal about the completion of restoration processes in the body of a young mother. Normally, lochia is released no longer than 40 days after birth, but in some cases it ends earlier - after 2.5–4 weeks. After the complete release of lochia, it is advisable for a woman to see a doctor - this should be done no later than 1.5 months after birth. Examination on the chair and ultrasonography will allow you to assess the condition of the reproductive system after childbirth and ensure the complete completion of all recovery processes. At the same appointment, the woman will be able to receive individual advice on her future lifestyle, acceptable physical activity, marital relationships, contraception and planning the next pregnancy. In the absence of complications, one and a half months after the birth of the baby, you can already return to the usual regime of hygiene, sex life and physical activity.

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So 9 months of hope and love have passed, and you are already proudly called a mother. What's ahead? There is a whole life ahead, which consists of caring for the baby, joyful and happy moments of his development, anxiety and grief when he is sick and every second of happiness, which he is able to give free of charge. However, this article is dedicated to our young mothers who have successfully completed the birth process and want to know what will happen in the postpartum period. After all, the body of a new mother is changing, new sensations and experiences are possible. In order to know about the most common postpartum manifestations and meet them fully prepared, read the article to the end and take note of the main aspects.

The process of childbirth itself takes a lot of energy from a woman, but already after 2-3 hours after birth, the young mother’s body begins to recover. The first six to eight weeks are considered the most critical: during this period, the breasts increase in volume, milk comes in, and changes occur in the reproductive system. So, in the postpartum period, spotting (lochia) is considered normal, which lasts up to 6 weeks, sometimes a little more. In addition, breastfeeding mothers often do not have menstruation during the breastfeeding period. For non-breastfeeding mothers, menstruation usually occurs 6-8 weeks after birth. It is recommended to resume sexual activity no earlier than 4-6 weeks after birth, especially if there are birth fissures.

In the first month after childbirth, women should not bother themselves homework. Renewal of strength occurs gradually, so the loads must be increasing. Therefore, in the first 12 weeks you should devote time to the child, devote yourself entirely to motherhood, organize close communication with the baby, which in turn will contribute to a quick recovery and improve the well-being of the young mother.

In cases where a woman has undergone a caesarean section, the recovery period requires a longer time. Therefore, you should definitely follow all the recommendations of the doctor who is observing you, follow a diet for the first three days, and also come to terms with some of the difficulties of the hygienic plan. Of course, any physical activity is excluded. A caesarean section is, after all, a surgical intervention, so take it seriously in the post-operative period. Sex life after a caesarean section, it is resumed strictly with the doctor’s permission and only after examining the woman.

As for nutrition, be sure to include foods rich in vitamins and microelements in your menu. They will help restore strength and maintain energy throughout the day. In addition, do not forget about fortified natural teas, which will strengthen the immune system and prevent the risk of infectious diseases. For these purposes, it is recommended to use rosehip decoction and raspberry leaf tea. If constipation bothers you after childbirth, then include a couple of dried apricots in your diet. Try to eat only healthy food so as not to harm the child and feel healthy and full of strength.

A balanced, balanced diet, among other things, is also a necessary factor for stabilizing weight and restoring your figure after childbirth. In order to return “figure indicators” to previous norms, experts recommend reviewing your diet in favor of healthy low-calorie and low-fat foods. As always in the case of losing weight, it is advisable to significantly limit flour products and confectionery products in the diet, instead of sausage and sausages, give preference to dietary meat, eat fruits and vegetables, and dairy products in sufficient quantities. It is better to divide meals into 5 times a day, eat in small portions.

It will also help to get back into shape after childbirth. exercise stress, but you should start doing gymnastic exercises no earlier than a month after giving birth, but abdominal exercises can be introduced into the complex even later - after 6-8 weeks. For a speedy recovery, it is advisable to do physical activity regularly, exercising daily for 30-40 minutes. Swimming, dancing, even ordinary long walks with a child at a “fast pace”.

Balanced diet and physical activity are the main components for restoring metabolism, on which the recovery of the mother as a whole also directly depends. In addition to these two “components,” adequate sleep is also important for normalizing metabolism, which means you should not deny yourself the pleasure of sleep when you have the opportunity. Did the baby get tired and go to sleep during the day? Lie down with him - dirty dishes or an uncleaned dining table can be removed later, but you definitely won’t have to sleep to your heart’s content for another couple of months.

Don't forget about self-care: some cosmetic procedures can contribute to the process of restoring your figure. We are talking about self-massage, which can be carried out with the use of moisturizing and anti-cellulite products. And also about peeling: both for the purpose of restoring beauty and elasticity to the skin, and for the purpose of restoring its shape.

Another “problem” place, about the shape of which a woman may be sad after childbirth, is the breast. A woman should be aware that childbirth can change the shape of her breasts even at the stage of bearing a child. And only then implement “prevention actions”: choose a comfortable and correct bra, monitor your posture and regularly perform simple exercises to strengthen your chest muscles.

In principle, the same recommendations remain relevant for the postpartum period for the purpose of breast reconstruction. Plus, some more are added to them, such as the practice of a contrast shower, massage sessions and breast skin care with the help of special creams or cosmetic oils.

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How long the vagina takes to recover depends on how the birth process went. The large weight of the child, rapid birth, episiotomy - all these factors affect changes in the uterus and vagina.

What happens to the vagina after childbirth:

sensitivity changes;
pain appears;
drooping walls;
possible itching, dryness, unpleasant odor;
changes in the quantity and quality of discharge;
ruptures, cuts and microcracks;
the terrain changes.

How the vagina recovers after childbirth:

the uterus contracts, gradually acquiring its previous shape;
vaginal muscle tone is restored;
microflora is normalized.

The time frame for the perineal muscles to come into shape after childbirth depends on the individual characteristics of the body. After diagnosing the changes, in the postpartum period, therapy to restore the perineum is prescribed.

How to restore the vagina after childbirth:

refrain from intimate relationships;
perform special gymnastics;
use gels and oils.

Intimate gymnastics will help tone your muscles and improve blood circulation. Kegel exercises are performed daily. With proper care, it will be possible to restore the vaginal muscles after childbirth in the shortest possible time.

Rules for the treatment of microflora and dryness:

exclude fatty and fried foods from the menu;
consume fermented milk products daily;
wear underwear made from natural materials;
avoid stress.

In the fight against inflammatory processes that change the microflora of the vagina, medications and vaginal suppositories also help. The drugs treat the disease by exerting a local effect.

Kipferon. The course of treatment is 10 days;
Bifidumbacterin. Apply in the morning for 10 days;
Lactobacterin. Contains beneficial bacteria. Course – 10 days.

Prescribed tablets for dysbacteriosis. In this case, the importance of treatment and the safety of the drug during breastfeeding are assessed.

Antibacterial gels effectively restore the vaginal microflora during the postpartum period. The drugs fight harmful microorganisms and stabilize acidity. They are used every time you wash.

Folk remedies for mothers are allowed after consultation with a gynecologist. Douching is used with herbal solutions. Tampons soaked in honey or kefir are effective.

The internal environment of the vagina is one of the most important components of women's health. After childbirth, it is important to monitor the microflora and, if necessary, maintain it in normal condition.

Perineal care after childbirth includes:

personal hygiene after each trip to the toilet;
use of disposable panties;
change postpartum pads every 3 hours;
applying ice;
medical treatment with potassium permanganate or brilliant green.

Deep tears can cause tissue inflammation. If complications occur in the suture area, drug treatment or surgical intervention is prescribed. In the future, if deformation of the muscle tissue occurs, the woman will be able to correct the defect using laser technology or plastic surgery.

How to train vaginal muscles after childbirth:

Kegel exercises;
exercise Lift;
Step-free therapy;
physiotherapeutic procedures with weights.

The Kegel method is used for intimate exercise to restore vaginal tone. Exercises are performed daily, at least three times. Gradually the number of approaches can be increased.

How to pump up vaginal muscles after childbirth:

you need to lie on your back and bend your knees;
the pose should be comfortable. Breathing is calm and deep;
The vaginal muscles are strongly tensed, held for 2-3 seconds and relaxed. Repeat the exercise at least 5 times;
squeezing and unclenching the vaginal tube is performed in three sets of 10 seconds;
strain the vagina for 10 seconds, rest for 15 seconds and repeat the exercise again at least 5 times.

Intimate plastic surgery allows not only to tighten the vaginal muscles, but also to correct the appearance of the genital organs. Intimate contour plastic surgery has virtually no complications. The use of modern laser technologies allows painless and quick operations to correct the appearance of the female genital organs.

Main indications for the use of the surgical method:

change in vaginal size;
loss of sensation;
asymmetry of the labia;
involuntary urination;
scarring.

The operation is prescribed after a thorough examination of the woman. The method is used only if other measures do not help restore the previous condition of the female genital organs.

Surgical intervention has a number of contraindications:

lactation;
pregnancy;
diabetes;
low blood clotting;
HIV infections;
inflammatory diseases.

Before the operation, blood and urine tests and an ultrasound of the genital organs are required. After this, a consultation with the surgeon is held.

the procedure is done under general anesthesia or under general anesthesia;
during plastic surgery, the area that is deformed is excised and sutured;
if a woman does not plan to give birth in the future, she will have a mesh inserted that will hold the muscles in the correct position;
When suturing, materials are used that dissolve themselves during the healing process.

To prevent vaginal recovery after childbirth from taking a long time, the mother must not forget about personal hygiene, medication treatment, and intimate gymnastics. Surgical intervention is used if the female genital organs have not recovered within two months. Intimate plastic surgery can remove scars, restore the vagina to its original shape, and relieve dryness.

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Every expectant mother Even during pregnancy, you worry about what your vagina will look like after childbirth. Happening global changes, which affect the condition of a woman and her intimate life in the initial period after childbirth. Everyone takes a different amount of time to recover.

There is no need to worry that the changes taking place are an irreversible process. There are exercises that will shorten the recovery period, maintain health, quality of life and intimate relationships.

Most women who give birth vaginally experience vaginal enlargement after childbirth. That is why they are looking for an answer to how to return their body to a normal state.

Why the size of the vagina becomes larger after childbirth is easily explained by the volume of the baby's head. The baby passes through the birth canal and stretches its muscles, thus making its way into the world. Some babies are born with a lot of weight, and this puts a huge strain on the pelvic muscles. Doctors often make incisions to avoid ruptures.

The first time after childbirth, the vagina remains stretched, the lumen of the cervical canal opens to two fingers. It recovers for several weeks, and after three months it finally returns to normal. But the vagina before and after childbirth is not always the same picture. If an incision was made, recovery may take longer.

Many couples are concerned about how serious the consequences of childbirth are for their intimate life. There are many prejudices that actually have nothing to do with the truth. There is no reason to worry, because even if the vagina is large after childbirth, this can be corrected.

Stretching . The vagina is a muscular organ, so as the baby passes through the birth canal, elasticity is lost, but this is a normal process. A few weeks will pass and the size will return to the same size. Even a very wide vagina will return to normal, the shape will simply be lost.

Swelling . It goes away in 3-4 days, the woman does not experience discomfort because of this.

Cracks and abrasions . Upon examination, you can see that the walls of the vagina after childbirth become blue-purple in color, cracks and abrasions are noticeable. After a couple of weeks, everything returns to its normal state. The swelling goes away, the cracks gradually heal, and the color of the vaginal walls again becomes pale pink.

Wall relief . There is a prejudice that a woman’s vagina becomes much larger in size after childbirth. But it's in its walls. For those who have not given birth, the relief is clearer, while for women who have recently given birth, it is smoothed out. Because of this, the organ appears to be enlarged. This can interfere with men during sexual intercourse, but if you choose a position, you can easily avoid unpleasant sensations.

It happens that a woman complains of unpleasant symptoms. To prevent them from developing into complications and requiring treatment, you need to know what to do and how to deal with them.

Signals indicating deviation

Decreased sensitivity . This is a temporary factor, do not panic. It is acceptable that a woman may completely lose sensitivity for some time. The walls of the vagina lose elasticity, and recovery takes time.
Pain . Often women complain of discomfort. Moreover, after childbirth, everyone’s vagina hurts with varying degrees of severity. The reason is stretching and tearing of the perineum, which are subsequently sutures. Painful sensations arise precisely in the area of suturing, since nerve endings are often affected. Over time, the discomfort ceases to bother you.
Dryness . Some women complain of vaginal dryness after childbirth. This occurs due to decreased estrogen levels and usually affects breastfeeding mothers. Over time, the dryness goes away, but until then you can use water-based intimate lubricants or special gels to moisturize the vagina. It is advisable not to choose oil-based products, as they create a poorly permeable film.
Itching . This is a symptom that requires you to see a doctor. The cause may be an allergic reaction to the suture material or antiseptic used during childbirth. The problem should not be solved without a specialist - only he can choose the right treatment. Douching is usually prescribed.
Rotten smell from the vagina after childbirth - evidence of inflammation or suppuration of the suture. Self-medication is strictly prohibited - consultation with a specialist and treatment with medications are required.
Omission . Sometimes the pelvic floor muscles are so weakened that they cannot support the organs. Omission occurs, which has different stages. The first is partial prolapse, when its walls descend without leaving the vagina. The second is protrusion outward. The third is prolapse, in which case surgical intervention is necessary.
Discharge. After birth, they look like mucus mixed with blood - the so-called lochia. At first they look like menstrual flow, and then the intensity decreases. Two months after birth, lochia should finally stop. IN otherwise you need to consult a doctor immediately.

It is impossible to accurately determine when the vagina is restored after childbirth, since this process takes different times for each woman. It is generally accepted that the approximate period is 6–8 weeks. Doctors recommend following rules that can speed up vaginal recovery after childbirth.

It is important to maintain sexual rest. Sex can disrupt or complicate the recovery process. You can get an infection, and if it gets directly onto an open wound, there is a risk of causing endometritis. Doctors advise abstaining from sex for two months after giving birth.

Kegel exercises have long been known for their invaluable benefits for those giving birth. All that is required is to tense and relax the vaginal muscles for 10 seconds. Training should be daily. Exercise improves blood circulation and strengthens the vaginal muscles. Read more about exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles →

If you feel dry during intimacy, you should use lubricants.

There are a number of conjectures that are very common, but unfounded. Women are already afraid of what the vagina looks like after childbirth, not to mention the internal sensations. The most common myths:

Men are sure that changes in the vagina for the worse after childbirth are inevitable. They believe that before the birth of a child it is tight and small, and after that it is wide. In fact, it is not the size that changes, but only the relief on the walls. But this is not a problem if you know how to restore the vagina after childbirth. Special exercise techniques or, in extreme cases, plastic surgery, will solve the problem.
Women believe that when having sex after childbirth, they experience pain in the vagina, as if some foreign object or lump is interfering. This can't happen. The fact is that there are very few nerve endings in the walls of this organ. Pain at the entrance to the vagina after childbirth can only be provoked by irritation of the skin mechanically, chemically or due to muscle contractions.
It is believed that dryness and discomfort are abnormal. But this is triggered by a decrease in estrogen levels and is a passing symptom. As soon as the woman finishes breastfeeding, the discomfort disappears.

When a woman understands what is happening in her body, many fears dissipate. The main task of a young mother is to bring the body to its normal state. Thanks to this, it will be possible to calmly raise the baby.

Do not despair if, when you resume intimate life, air first comes out of the vagina. This happens even in nulliparous women. There is no reason to be embarrassed. It is important to discuss all issues of concern with your partner, and not be left alone with your thoughts.

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However, not all women know how long the recovery period will last and how it can be accelerated, and what alarming symptoms should be paid attention to.

In addition, many expectant mothers experience real fear regarding changes in the vagina, having heard a lot of myths and conflicting, and sometimes untrue information and the bad experiences of friends. In order to positively perceive and experience this amazing experience, you need to understand the peculiarities of physiology.

The vagina is a truly unique and amazing organ: it has very strong and developed muscles, incredibly plastic and elastic. During sexual intercourse, the vagina enlarges 2-3 times and, thanks to its accommodative abilities, adapts to the parameters of the sexual partner.

Under normal conditions, the size of the genital organs and the female vagina in particular is very different from the size of a newborn baby, so during delivery it stretches and its walls become thinner.
In addition, during gestation, the fetus puts pressure on the muscles of the perineum, which can also affect the condition of the vagina.

After childbirth, women may develop diseases such as diastasis, hemorrhoids, prolapse and bending of the uterus. Factors that determine changes in the vagina after childbirth:

Anatomical features of a particular woman.
Size and weight of the baby.
Hormonal changes.
The course of childbirth: microtraumas, cracks, tears, medical incisions and other complicating factors increase the recovery period.

Immediately after childbirth, the entrance to the vagina is wide open, the walls of the organ, instead of a pale pink color, become bluish-purple due to swelling. The relief of the vagina also changes: in women who have not given birth, the ribbing of the walls is clearly expressed, in women who have given birth, the walls are smoother. By the way, this fact became the basis for the myth that the vagina stretches in women who give birth.

Did you know? From the time of Ancient Greece and until the 17th century, it was believed in medicine that the female vagina and other organs of the reproductive system were the underside of the male penis and its genitals. In the first few weeks after childbirth, the vagina returns to its previous size, but many couples even after this period note some discrepancy in the genitals.

During the postpartum period, the vagina increases slightly, by only 2-3 mm, or even returns to its previous size. However, for all girls, the recovery period takes a different amount of time and depends on many factors: the state of the muscular system before childbirth, performing special exercises, the ease of the birth process, and others.
Find out how to lose weight and get rid of belly fat after childbirth, how to choose a postpartum bandage, how to cope with postpartum depression, how long does postpartum discharge last and what to do if your hair begins to fall out a lot after childbirth.
For many young ladies, this period is accompanied by psychological experiences, discomfort, even the fear of disappointing their partner and no longer receiving the same pleasure from intimate relationships.

All this can be avoided if you know what the vagina normally looks like after childbirth, and which signs are abnormal and require medical attention.

The vagina is made up of muscles similar to muscles in other areas of the body. That is, they can strengthen, weaken, atrophy, etc. The size of the vagina can change in two cases: during childbirth and during sexual intercourse.

Swelling is also a normal physiological condition, especially if there were injuries and damage to the walls of the organ during childbirth. Remember any damage to the skin - a swelling immediately forms around the wound, which goes away as it heals.

Swelling of the vagina and labia disappears in 3-4 days, sometimes recovery can take up to two weeks.

We recommend that you read about how many months a child begins to hold his head up, what is normal weight gain and how a child’s height increases month by month, as well as how to teach him to sit, crawl and walk.
In some cases, doctors recommend applying ice or using special medications to reduce symptoms (for example, Traumeel cream).

But even despite such enormous preparation, it is not always possible to avoid damage, cracks and ruptures of the vagina. This is what causes swelling and changes the color of the walls of the organ.

Complete healing may take from a couple of weeks to a couple of months. But in case of serious damage, the recovery process may take longer.

As mentioned above, the relief of the walls of the organ is not the same in women who have given birth and those who have not given birth. Before childbirth, the vagina resembles a corrugated muscular tube; after the baby is born, the relief decreases.

This is mainly felt by the sexual partner during intimacy. Such a change affects sensations not in better side, however, you can change the situation and increase the pleasure of intimacy by changing positions and using various sexual techniques. Did you know? Over the course of her entire life, a woman menstruates on average 400 times, but the number of eggs in the female body is much greater - at birth, a girl has about a million germ cells, the number of which decreases to hundreds of thousands by the time of puberty.

The natural restoration process lasts 1.5-2 months, it is during this period that one should refrain from intimacy. You can help your body get into shape faster with some exercises.

Of course, the most famous workouts are Kegel exercises for the perineal muscles. They can have many positive effects on the female reproductive and excretory systems:

stimulate blood circulation in the pelvic area;
strengthen the pelvic floor muscles;
allow you to get more vivid sensations during intimacy;
help cope with the problem of urinary incontinence;
facilitate subsequent childbirth;
reduce the risk of inflammatory processes in the genital organs.

To understand which muscles need training, try to stop it while urinating - the muscles with which you did this are our working muscles. They can also be felt by inserting a finger into the vagina and straining the organ.

To train, the muscles need to be relaxed and tensed for a few seconds. The exercise can be done daily for 5 minutes. Its advantage is that it does not require any equipment, specially designated space or time.

You can study anywhere without being distracted from other things. Important! Recovery of vaginal muscles will be much faster and more effective if you start doing Kegel exercises while you are pregnant.

Other ways to restore female genital organs after childbirth:

If the muscle deformation is too great, exercises do not help and the risk of pathology is high, the woman who has given birth may be recommended to undergo vaginal plastic surgery. In surgery, such an operation is called colporrhaphy.

It can not only eliminate a dangerous anatomical pathology, but also relieve a woman of psychological complexes and discomfort, and give her the opportunity to fully enjoy sexual intimacy.

Now that you know what the vagina should look like after the baby is born, it will be useful to study the symptoms, the presence of which should alert you and force you to see a doctor. The main unpleasant and dangerous symptoms in the vagina after childbirth include the following:

Decreased and complete loss of sensitivity. May occur due to nerve damage.
Painful sensations. Particularly evident during the first sexual contacts. Pain occurs due to damage to nerve endings during suturing. It will take time for the body to go away. According to statistics, about 80% of women experience pain and discomfort in the first three months after the start of intimacy, and 15% continue to feel discomfort for a year after the birth of the baby.
Itching. The cause can be either an allergic reaction or an infection. In any case, this symptom is a reason for medical consultation; if itching, you should not resort to self-medication, because the main thing is to correctly determine its cause.
Unpleasant smell. It can be provoked by an inflammatory process and suppuration. If you experience this symptom, you should immediately consult a doctor to avoid serious problems with reproductive health.
Vaginal dryness. This problem also often occurs after childbirth due to a natural decrease in estrogen levels (the main female hormone). It may bother a woman throughout the entire period of lactation, but may go away earlier. To reduce discomfort, it is recommended to use lubricants and softening gels.
Uncharacteristic discharge. Young mothers should know that the discharge in the first few weeks after the birth of the baby will be different from the usual: at this time, mucus mixed with blood and blood clots, remnants of the placenta, comes out of the uterus. Heavy discharge - lochia - ends after 5-7 days, after which minor discharge is observed brown discharge. If after the cessation of lochia they return again, you need to see a gynecologist as soon as possible. Lochia should normally stop after two months after birth.

We hope we have dispelled your fears and myths regarding the condition of the vagina in a woman who has given birth. Now that you are aware of what a healthy vagina looks like in a young mother, you can calmly and easily go through such a difficult and at the same time anxious period of metamorphosis with your body in connection with the emergence of a new life.

The vagina (vagina/colpos) refers to the internal female genital organs; it is a tube about ten centimeters long that connects the external genitalia and the cervix, forming four vaults.

Its wall has three layers - mucous, smooth muscle, connective tissue. Together they are about four millimeters thick. Throughout life, the organ undergoes physiological changes.
What happens to the vagina after natural childbirth? What is considered normal, how does pathology manifest itself?
The mucous membrane of the genital tract is covered with stratified squamous epithelium, which does not have glands.

During puberty, transverse folds form on it, the number of which decreases in proportion to the increase in the number of births. The smooth muscle layer has a medial location and is highly extensible.

External - consists of connective tissue, located adjacent to the bladder, urethra, and rectum.

Highest value in maintaining the position of the vagina has the perineum, especially the inner layer of the pelvic floor. It is compressed by the pubic part of the levator ani muscle, which is quite often injured during the passage of the fetal head. The condition of the vagina after childbirth depends on the quality of restoration of the integrity of this levator muscle.

The genital tract constantly interacts with the external environment; the likelihood of pathogenic microbial flora entering is high. An obstacle to the colonization of pathogenic bacteria is the physiological tone of the perineal muscles and the self-cleaning of the vagina due to cyclic hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle.

The mucous membrane undergoes restructuring within a month - its layer grows in the first phase of the cycle and is rejected in the second. In addition, it produces protective immunoglobulin A and maintains a stable environment for reproduction beneficial bacteria(lactobacillus) and uncomfortable for pathogens.
Lactic acid fermentation rods form a protective film on the walls of the vagina and produce antibiotic-like substances. A decrease in estrogen levels during pregnancy leads to a decrease in the amount of nutrients necessary for the normal functioning of lactobacilli. Against this background, the likelihood of colonization of pathogenic microbes and viruses increases.

During pregnancy and childbirth, the vagina/colpos undergoes restructuring, returning to its original state within three weeks. How does the vagina change during this period?

tapers;
becomes shorter;
redness and swelling of the walls disappear;
the mucous membrane is restored.

It looks a little wider, with a slightly open entrance, and fewer transverse folds. After the second birth there are even fewer of them.

The perineal muscles acquire normal tone by the end of the second week.

From the first day for six weeks, lochia is released from the genital tract, which has a bloody appearance during the first three days, gradually turning into bloody and mucous discharge.
The postpartum period is called puerperia, during which time a woman’s body is at risk of infections. Immediately after childbirth, the surface of the uterus is a wide wound, the cervix and vagina are often injured. Remains of membranes and blood clots provide a favorable environment for the proliferation of microbes, tissue resistance and the number of lactobacilli are reduced.

The lumen of the vagina in primigravidas does not return to its original state, it becomes somewhat wider. The capacity of the organ is reduced, swelling, redness, and small abrasions gradually disappear over four days.

The normal course of the puerperal period involves recovery within a month. Why can the process be delayed, what are the reasons?

If there are deviations from the natural course of labor, the recovery period may take longer. Symptoms that accompany diseases of the genital area and obstetric complications cause anxiety. Women may be concerned about:

vaginal dryness;
pain;
unpleasant odor;
edema;
drooping walls;
copious discharge.

Dryness should not be a concern. This phenomenon can be explained by a temporary physiological decrease in estrogen levels. The sensations are more pronounced in women who are breastfeeding and go away on their own. Unpleasant discomfort during sexual activity is reduced with the help of special lubricants purchased at pharmacies.

An unpleasant odor from the vagina after childbirth can be caused by fistulas - pathological communications between organs that are not provided for by the normal anatomical structure. The cause of this condition may be a third degree perineal rupture. The disease is manifested by involuntary discharge of gases and feces from the genital tract, burning, itching, and discharge.

If the sutures fail, it is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, and increased body temperature. Fistula openings are located on the posterior or lateral wall of the vagina, communicate with the lumen of the rectum, and can have a point size or be more than one centimeter in diameter.
The disease is diagnosed during a gynecological examination using speculum and sigmoidoscopy. There are conservative and surgical methods for treating fistulas. The choice of tactics depends on the location, size, condition of the surrounding tissues, pelvic floor muscles, and concomitant pathology. Ointment tampons, sanitation, strengthening therapy, enemas with herbal decoctions are used.

Involuntary leakage of urine from the genital tract is a symptom of the disease.

Pathology occurs as a result of obstetric trauma during emergency fetal extraction and prolonged standing of the head in one plane of the pelvis.

In this situation, a three-tampon test, vaginography, cystoscopy, sonography of the kidneys and bladder are used for diagnosis. gynecological examination. In most cases it is carried out surgical treatment.

Pain in the vagina may occur after external and internal sutures are applied to the perineum.

The sutured mucosa returns to normal - the swelling goes away in a few days, the suture material located in its thickness dissolves within a month. The tissues should grow together anatomically, without gross scar changes.

This period does not always proceed smoothly - the stitches may come apart, the wound may become infected, which is accompanied by pain and discharge with an unpleasant odor.

Depending on the situation, drug treatment is carried out or secondary sutures are applied. Narrowing of the vagina after inadequate suturing leads to painful sexual intercourse.

Itching in the vagina in the postpartum period occurs due to inflammatory processes, allergic reactions, and thrush. Gynecologists can figure out the problem during an examination.

These diseases are characterized by vaginal swelling, hyperemia, and pathological discharge from the genital tract.

This symptom is a reason to consult a doctor and examine the discharge for flora and sensitivity to antibiotics.

Based on the examination data and test results, the gynecologist prescribes treatment. If the process is allergic, antihistamines are prescribed. Yeast colpitis is treated with antifungal agents, inflammation of bacterial etiology is treated with antibiotics.

Pathological childbirth with a large fetus, twins, vaginal delivery operations, perineal ruptures can be complicated by prolapse of the vaginal walls, its prolapse. The causes of the anomaly are:

excessive pressure on normal anatomical structures;
muscle weakness even with normal force;
the presence of defects in the connective tissue fascia - pubocervical and rectovaginal.

The location of the defect determines which walls will fall out. The disorder occupies 28% of the structure of gynecological diseases, appears during reproductive age, and progresses over time.

Synonyms for anomalies are prolapse, prolapse.

Risk factors are failure of the ligamentous apparatus due to congenital connective tissue dysplasia, hypoestrogenism, birth trauma, metabolic disorders, and age-related changes.

Prolapse of the anterior wall leads to bladder prolapse, called cystocele.
The prolapse of the posterior wall is called a rectocele, since the anterior wall of the rectum (rectum) descends along with the vagina.
Posterior fornix prolapse – enterocele.

Prolapse may be felt as foreign body in the vagina, accompanied by urination disorders, bowel movements, and a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. Upon examination, the mucous membrane of the genital tract looks swollen, with a bluish tint, and is dry, slim look.

Hair loss treatment

Vaginal prolapse has three stages of development - partial prolapse without going beyond the genital slit, external protrusion, prolapse. For minor disorders, it is treated with special therapeutic exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, physical therapy, wearing a pessary. In severe cases, surgical treatment is recommended.

During surgical correction, vaginal plastic surgery is performed - anterior colporrhaphy, colpoperineolevatoplasty, colpopexy, synthetic prostheses are used to completely restore the damaged pelvic fascia.

Anterior colporrhaphy is done when the anterior vaginal wall prolapses - a flap of excess tissue is cut out, followed by suturing of the defect. Its fascia is isolated and separate sutures are placed on it. The intervention helps reduce the size of the organ and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

During colpoperineolevatoplasty, excess tissue is removed from the posterior wall, and the muscular-connective tissue frame of the pelvic floor is restored. Special attention They focus on isolating and stitching together the levators - the muscles that lift the anus.

Colpopexy involves fixing the vaginal dome. The operation is performed using vaginal or abdominal laparoscopic access. In this case, the dome is fixed to the sacrospinous or anterior longitudinal ligament of the sacrum, respectively.

The operation to install a synthetic prosthesis is called colpopexy, as well as TVM (transvaginal mesh).

The essence of the method is to eliminate all anatomical defects of the pelvic floor using standard methods using mesh prostheses.

Located under the connective tissue, the prosthesis duplicates the contour of the vagina, reliably eliminating prolapse without changing the anatomical location of the organ.

The role of physical therapy (PT) is important for rehabilitation in the postpartum period. It allows the body to recover faster and improve lactation. With its help, posture disturbed after pregnancy is corrected and the perineum is strengthened. Tasks therapeutic exercises are:

improving blood circulation in the pelvic organs to prevent the formation of blood clots;
elimination of stagnation;
stimulation of uterine contractions for proper involution;
strengthening the muscles and ligaments of the abdominal wall, perineum to ensure correct position internal organs, genital tract;
activation of metabolism, tone;
normalization of intestinal and bladder function.

In the normal course of labor, classes begin from the first day of the postpartum period. In the first days, it is recommended to pay attention to them for fifteen minutes, doing eight exercises, repeating each four times.

First, they perform finger movements, stretching, rotation of the hands with simultaneous deviation of the feet, and rotation of the torso in bed. From the third day they switch to lifting the pelvis with support on the feet and shoulder blades.
Exercises are performed in a horizontal position from the first to the seventh day.
After reducing the size of the uterus, they move to a vertical position, add circular movements of the pelvis, turns and bends of the torso, half-squats, and leg lifts. To achieve a stable positive result, the duration of the course should be up to three months of daily classes.