Pregnancy, labor, and delivery are difficult life-events, both physically and emotionally. The arrival of a newborn is a beautiful experience for a mother, but some unexpected conditions that accompany pregnancy and delivery can make adjusting to life with a newborn more difficult. One of these conditions is Post-Partum Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a medical condition where the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, droop or protrude into the vagina, causing discomfort or even severe pain. POP can affect any woman at any point in life, but being diagnosed with it at a young age, especially right after childbirth, can be overwhelming.
The emotional and psychological effects of POP at a young age can be staggering for many women. It is normal for pre-menopausal women to feel uncomfortable discussing pelvic organ prolapse, convinced that it is something that happens only to older women. The pain and discomfort associated with POP can make it challenging to care for a newborn, leading to mental distress, depression, anxiety, and lack of confidence. It’s essential to talk to your doctor and partner about your feelings as having someone to discuss your worries with could help boost your confidence.
It’s crucial to understand that postpartum POP is inherently different from POP due to old age. For example, the body’s tissues have not yet regained their previous position or strength. Hormonal changes that accompanied the pregnancy and delivery may also exacerbate the condition. Damages to the pelvic floor muscles can also occur during labor and delivery. These muscles may not heal entirely, though exercising them will help to strengthen them.
Embracing the journey of motherhood often means accepting the changes in your body, some of which may be challenging. But remember, these changes are a testament to the incredible journey your body has undertaken to bring life into this world. It is natural to feel overwhelmed at times, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone – many women experience similar postpartum challenges. Learning to care for your own body is as integral as caring for your newborn. Allow yourself the grace to heal, rest, and recover. There’s no rush to ‘bounce back’—it’s okay to take your time. Seek help when needed, talk openly about your feelings, and remember to prioritize self-care, no matter how small it may seem. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, incorporating gentle exercise when it feels right, and resting when possible are practical steps towards your recovery. Your body is a powerful entity that has birthed a new life; it deserves nurturing and care as it finds its new normal.
The recovery process of postpartum prolapse compared to prolapse due to old age largely varies. Postpartum prolapse often resolves itself naturally over time as your body heals from childbirth and the muscles of the pelvic floor regain their strength. This recovery is aided by following postpartum care routines like performing Kegel exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding heavy lifting. On the other hand, prolapse due to old age often takes a longer time to improve and may require more extensive interventions. This is largely due to the fact that as we age, our body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate diminishes, and the muscles in the pelvic area naturally weaken. Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a personalized treatment plan.
Dealing with POP after giving birth can be one of the most challenging things for a young mother to endure. However, with a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and emotional support, you can overcome the condition. Never forget to take care of yourself, communicate your fears to your doctor and partner, and make the necessary changes to your lifestyle to help improve your condition. The good news is that POP tends to improve as your body continues to recover from childbirth, but it’s important to have regular checkups with your doctor to ensure the condition doesn’t worsen. Remember, you are not alone, and with time, persistence, and self-love, you can overcome POP.
Pregnancy, labor, and delivery are difficult life-events, both physically and emotionally. The arrival of a newborn is a beautiful experience for a mother, but some unexpected conditions that accompany pregnancy and delivery can make adjusting to life with a newborn more difficult. One of these conditions is Post-Partum Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP). Pelvic Organ Prolapse is a medical condition where the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, droop or protrude into the vagina, causing discomfort or even severe pain. POP can affect any woman at any point in life, but being diagnosed with it at a young age, especially right after childbirth, can be overwhelming.
The emotional and psychological effects of POP at a young age can be staggering for many women. It is normal for pre-menopausal women to feel uncomfortable discussing pelvic organ prolapse, convinced that it is something that happens only to older women. The pain and discomfort associated with POP can make it challenging to care for a newborn, leading to mental distress, depression, anxiety, and lack of confidence. It’s essential to talk to your doctor and partner about your feelings as having someone to discuss your worries with could help boost your confidence.
It’s crucial to understand that postpartum POP is inherently different from POP due to old age. For example, the body’s tissues have not yet regained their previous position or strength. Hormonal changes that accompanied the pregnancy and delivery may also exacerbate the condition. Damages to the pelvic floor muscles can also occur during labor and delivery. These muscles may not heal entirely, though exercising them will help to strengthen them.
Embracing the journey of motherhood often means accepting the changes in your body, some of which may be challenging. But remember, these changes are a testament to the incredible journey your body has undertaken to bring life into this world. It is natural to feel overwhelmed at times, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone – many women experience similar postpartum challenges. Learning to care for your own body is as integral as caring for your newborn. Allow yourself the grace to heal, rest, and recover. There’s no rush to ‘bounce back’—it’s okay to take your time. Seek help when needed, talk openly about your feelings, and remember to prioritize self-care, no matter how small it may seem. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, incorporating gentle exercise when it feels right, and resting when possible are practical steps towards your recovery. Your body is a powerful entity that has birthed a new life; it deserves nurturing and care as it finds its new normal.
The recovery process of postpartum prolapse compared to prolapse due to old age largely varies. Postpartum prolapse often resolves itself naturally over time as your body heals from childbirth and the muscles of the pelvic floor regain their strength. This recovery is aided by following postpartum care routines like performing Kegel exercises, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding heavy lifting. On the other hand, prolapse due to old age often takes a longer time to improve and may require more extensive interventions. This is largely due to the fact that as we age, our body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate diminishes, and the muscles in the pelvic area naturally weaken. Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for a personalized treatment plan.
Dealing with POP after giving birth can be one of the most challenging things for a young mother to endure. However, with a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and emotional support, you can overcome the condition. Never forget to take care of yourself, communicate your fears to your doctor and partner, and make the necessary changes to your lifestyle to help improve your condition. The good news is that POP tends to improve as your body continues to recover from childbirth, but it’s important to have regular checkups with your doctor to ensure the condition doesn’t worsen. Remember, you are not alone, and with time, persistence, and self-love, you can overcome POP.
Dr. Mihnea Gangal is a practicing urogynecologist at the Notre Dame Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital in Montreal Quebec. He has completed his Masters in Surgical Innovation, Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Fellowship in Urogynecology from McGill University. He was one of the first performers of the vNOTE surgery in Montreal and continues to provide proctoring for various innovative surgical techniques.
Negin Ashouri is the Co-founder and CTO at FemTherapeutics. Growing up in Iran, Negin has always had the passion to fix broken objects since she was 4-years-old. This habit continued throughout her life and she quickly realized engineering would become her passion among other sciences. She has always fought for human rights and especially women's rights in a country where it has been neglected. She decided to travel abroad to broaden her knowledge in technology in developed countries. She began her Masters’ studies in Computer Science at Concordia University, focused in the field of applying AI in Medicine and focused on detecting cervical cancer. Her interest in gynecology spurred as a result of her untreated medical conditions in Iran, and her interest to advance women’s health for all. She has been named 1 of the top 5 up and upcoming entrepreneurs in Canada by Mitacs in 2021.
Inara is the Co-Founder & CEO of FemTherapeutics Inc. Growing up, Inara had the opportunity to live in several countries, including Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Poland, Qatar, and Canada. Her experiences in these diverse communities inspired her interest in social business and her commitment to addressing socioeconomic inequalities. During her time at McGill University. In 2020, Inara graduated with a BCom focused on Information Systems and Entrepreneurship, fueling her desire to eventually become an entrepreneur. Inara has spoken on various panels, podcasts, and conferences globally, focusing on women's entrepreneurship, gender health equity, and youth involvement. In recognition of her achievements, Inara was named one of Bay Street Bull's Women of the Year in 2022. She is also a certified board governance leader and has supported many community-driven initiatives.