Prolapse during late pregnancy

Currently 37+4 with my first baby, and a couple of weeks ago spotted a bulging in the opening of my vagina, so went to triage and was told somewhat flippantly that I have a cervical prolapse. A few other things cropped up in the visit which took over and I then left feeling very overwhelmed and later realised I hadn't asked hardly any questions about the prolapse. I saw my midwife the following week who referred me to a consultant but after a lot of chasing the appointment has only just come through for next week, when I'll be 38+2. I've tried to do my own research into prolapse during pregnancy and the effect on birth and have been so surprised about the lack of info around this. My midwife couldn't answer anything I asked her. I understand prolapse can occur post-vaginal birth so I'm very anxious at the thought of going through a vaginal birth with an already existing prolapse and how this will affect me afterwards. I also have a cervical ectropion and am unsure if this will also affect things. Has anyone else had a prolapse during pregnancy and can tell me how it affected their birth? If I'm likely to end up with an emergency section, or have major issues post-birth, then I'd rather just have a planned section but don't want to if it's not necessary! I've also been doing perineal massage as the hospital told me it was ok to do this, but it feels very wrong to keep pressing against the prolapse whilst I do it, which makes it bulge more and I feel more pressure afterwards 😩 Of course I'll ask the consultant all this next week but I'm terrified of going into labour before then and not having an up to date birth plan!

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I have a prolapse following my first child and have just had a vaginal birth with my second child and it had no impact at all. Doctors will advise you that a natural birth *might* make it worse and potentially suggest a csection to avoid this but mine is no different to it was before pregnancy/birth x

I developed a prolapse after my baby and I want to try for another one, I also wish a vaginal delivery. Maybe it is worth speaking to a pelvic floor therapist that can help you prepare and not just push you or condition you for a c section

@Charlie sorry to jump on original post, but I have a prolapse from birth and your reply is really reassuring to hear 🩷

I had a mild bladder prolapse that developed in the third trimester and just had a very quick and straightforward vaginal birth at home. I also didn’t do perineum massage, even though my midwife assured me if was safe with my prolapse) as it felt like I was pushing things that would make it worse.

I had a slight prolapse in my second trimester and had a normal vaginal birth. I am now seeing a pelvic floor physio. I think it got slightly worse after labour but made no difference to the labour its self. Important things are to practice your pelvic floor exercises a few times a day, long holds and short holds. That will help with any incontinence or it getting much worse. Your midwife or GP can refer you to physio but it's likely you won't see one till after baby is born.

Hi I am 36+2 and currently in the same situation, not sure what the best thing to do with vaginal birth or c-section seeing a consultant on Thursday but no one has been able to give me much information about what the best option. It’s very scary at the minute hopefully I’ll get some answers but if you get any advice that might be helpful please let me know. Wishing you all the best xx

@Abbie sounds like we're in the exact same situation! Will definitely update you after Wednesday when I've seen the consultant. Hope you get some more answers too!

@Abbie Well my appointment was interesting, turns out that in my notes it says that I don't have a prolapse, so she examined again and confirmed no prolapse, just the pressure of his head making the cervix visible. So I was like why the hell was I told I have a prolapse when I don't, and made to worry all this time, she apologised , basically the midwife in triage gave me false info! I can't believe it but also it's a relief that I don't have one!

@Ange that is excellent news!

Prolapse is experienced but many women who are pregnant or have just had a baby. It’s very common. More knowledge should be available on this topic though as it’s very scary if you aren’t aware. Search for a free support group called the Pelvic Power Movement Community on FB as the lady who founded that helped my recovery x

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