Having kids is not just about feeling bliss that you are a mother now, but is also linked to bodily changes women have to go through. So, we listed five odd things that can happen to your vagina after you have kids.
- The colour of your vagina changes
For all women, being pregnant and subsequently giving birth is not a small deal. All kinds of things about our bodies change and some of those changes can be quite shocking.
Some of the changes that happen to a woman’s body after giving birth may be quite shocking if you don’t know what’s normal and what’s not.
But relax, in most cases, changes that happen to your vagina after giving birth are not permanent as they will return to normal after a few days, weeks or months.
One of these impermanent changes is the colour of your vagina changing to a darker colour right after giving birth. This is totally normal and expected as there is a lot of blood activity around this area after giving birth.
Drawing from the study reported by the National Institute of Health, there’s no need for concern if the region just outside the vaginal canal, encompassing the labia, clitoris, and the perineum (the skin between the vagina and rectum), undergoes changes in color after childbirth. It’s expected that the vaginal area will gradually regain its natural shade, growing brighter and eventually returning to its normal hue as your post recovery days’ progress.
The colour of your vagina should get brighter and brighter and return to normal as the days of your recovery go on.
- You struggle with urinary stress incontinence
Just by the name, urinary stress incontinence, you may get an idea that this is a super terrible stress condition after giving birth. But don’t stress out just yet (pun intended) because this condition is not like what you think.
Urinary stress incontinence typically affects one in three new mothers who have just given birth. Due to the extreme pressure on the vagina during delivery, your pelvic floor muscles have now become weakened.
And as such, you find it quite hard to hold yourself back from leaking urine during unexpected times.
For example, new mothers who have just given birth may be surprised to find themselves peeing their pants just because they are sneezing, coughing, or laughing.
This urine leakage is not a serious health issue, just a bit annoying and can be quite embarrassing in public. With Kegel’s exercises, this can be reversed over time.
- The smell of your urine becomes stronger
After giving birth, there is a lot about your vagina that can change. And a lot of the time, these changes can be quite unpleasant. One of these changes involves the smell of your urine becoming much stronger than usual.
This is not necessarily a sign of an illness though. It is just that at this time your body will shed lochia. Lochia is just like vaginal discharge but this is a special one after giving birth.
As per article published by Live Science, it’s entirely normal for the odor of your urine to become stronger, so there’s no need to overly worry or assume that something is amiss. After childbirth, this change is attributed to your body shedding lochia. Lochia is similar to vaginal discharge but is specific to the post-birth period.
The odour is very strong and the first three days after giving birth, the colour of your lochia will be dark red. Because of this process, your urine may also smell stronger. This whole thing can last for up to 6 weeks or even 8 weeks.
Although it is unpleasant and uncomfortable, this is very normal and will go away when your body regains strength.
- You often deal with vaginal dryness
During pregnancy, your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes to accommodate the fact that you have a baby in your belly right now.
And as such, when your body has done being pregnant after the delivery process your body will again go through some changes to readjust itself.
Your body will change its hormone production, again and again, to return to its normal state of being not pregnant. With all of that said, by this process, you will often find your vagina and vulva feel dry every so often.
It is a known fact that the vagina gets dry when hormonal changes are taking place, which may make penetrative sex bothersome.
Drawing from the study outlined by Health, after giving birth, you might experience vaginal dryness. This is a result of the changes your body undergoes during pregnancy. The significant hormonal fluctuations occurring throughout pregnancy and post-childbirth contribute to this occurrence, leading to vaginal dryness. However, there’s no need to be overly concerned, as your hormones will gradually normalize over time, leading to an improvement in vaginal dryness.
You don’t have to stress about this whole thing though, as your hormones will sooner than later return to normal and your vaginal dryness will improve. This whole thing also applies even if you had a C-section.
- You experience perineal pain
During childbirth, it is quite common for the vagina to tear. When this happens, there can be a lot of pain and discomfort even after the whole thing is finished.
Perineal pain or postpartum pelvic pain is common in women who have given birth via the vagina. The vaginal tearing that happens during delivery may need weeks to heal and during this time, the vagina can feel a lot of pain and discomfort.
Depending on the severity of the tearing, this pain may even need months to fully heal. There are certain ways you can relieve perineal pain, for instance, you can apply an ice pack to the region that feels painful.
You can also try to slowly and gently take warm baths. Your doctor should be able to also give you an anaesthetic spray to reduce the sensations of pain from the swelling and tearing.
Wrapping things up, five odd things were listed that could happen to the vagina when women have babies. The information we provided can help you understand more about your anatomy and how it works after giving birth.
9 Ways Your Vagina Might Change After You Give Birth
Giving birth is a life-changing experience for any woman. Not only does it bring a new life into the world, but it also brings about significant changes in a woman’s body. One of the most affected areas is the vagina, which goes through a lot during pregnancy and childbirth. As a woman’s body adjusts to accommodate the growing baby, the vagina undergoes various changes. In this paper, we will explore nine ways your vagina might change after giving birth.
1. Vaginal Dryness
During pregnancy, the body produces higher levels of estrogen, which helps keep the vagina lubricated. However, after giving birth, the hormone levels drop, leading to a decrease in natural lubrication. This can result in vaginal dryness, making intercourse uncomfortable or even painful. Using a water-based lubricant can help alleviate this issue.
2. Vaginal Swelling and Bruising
The process of childbirth can put a lot of strain on the vaginal muscles, leading to swelling and bruising. These changes can cause discomfort and pain, especially when sitting or walking. The swelling and bruising usually subside within a few days or weeks after delivery, but if the pain persists, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider.
3. Vaginal Loosening
The vaginal muscles stretch during childbirth to accommodate the baby’s passage. This stretching can result in a feeling of looseness in the vagina, and it may take some time for the muscles to regain their strength and tone. Doing pelvic floor exercises, commonly known as Kegels, can help strengthen the vaginal muscles and improve their tightness.
4. Perineal Tears
Perineal tears occur in about 85% of vaginal deliveries. These tears happen when the baby’s head stretches the vaginal tissues during childbirth. The severity of the tears can vary, from a small tear that requires no treatment to a more severe one that needs stitches. These tears can be painful, and proper care is essential to prevent infection and promote healing.
5. Urinary Incontinence
The pressure of the baby on the bladder during pregnancy and childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles, leading to urinary incontinence. This condition can cause a woman to leak urine when sneezing, laughing, or exercising. Doing pelvic floor exercises can help strengthen these muscles and improve bladder control.
6. Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectal area that can occur during pregnancy and childbirth. The strain of pushing during delivery can make these veins more prominent, causing discomfort and pain. Drinking plenty of water, eating a fiber-rich diet, and using topical creams can help alleviate the symptoms of hemorrhoids.
7. Changes in Sensation
Some women may experience changes in sensation in their vagina after giving birth. This can range from numbness to increased sensitivity. These changes are usually temporary and can be attributed to the stretching and pressure on the nerves during childbirth. However, if the changes persist, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider.
8. Vaginal Discharge
After giving birth, women may experience a vaginal discharge known as lochia. This discharge consists of blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus, and it can last for up to six weeks. The discharge can be heavy at first and gradually decrease in amount and color. It is essential to use pads instead of tampons during this time to prevent infection.
9. Postpartum Sex
It is common for women to experience discomfort or pain during sex after giving birth. This can be due to vaginal dryness, pelvic floor muscle weakness, or perineal tears. It is essential to communicate with your partner and take things slow when resuming sexual activity after childbirth. Using a water-based lubricant can also help make intercourse more comfortable.
In conclusion, the vagina undergoes many changes during and after childbirth. These changes are natural and necessary for the body to accommodate the growing baby and deliver it safely into the world. While some changes may be temporary, others may require more attention and care. It is essential to listen to your body and consult a healthcare provider if you experience any persistent discomfort or pain. With proper care and patience, your vagina will gradually return to its pre-pregnancy state.
