Vaginal recovery after birth: listen to your body

During a vaginal birth, the pelvic floor muscles stretch to more than three times their length. Yes, really. More. Than. Three. Times. No wonder your body needs some time to bounce back. The pelvic floor is a network of muscles, connective tissue and ligaments that support your abdominal organs. The perineum, the part between the vagina and the anus, takes the hardest hit during delivery. Research from VU Medical Center shows that 75 to 85% of women sustain some degree of perineal damage – in about 20% of cases a muscle tears. Usually, the midwife or gynecologist can stitch this right away and mostly the pelvic floor heals well.

What can you and your vagina expect in the first year?

The first weeks

Right after birth, your vagina and vulva are swollen and tender. Peeing can sting – pouring warm water over your vulva while you go helps ease the burning sensation. Almost every woman remembers that first trip to the toilet postpartum, especially if stitches were involved. It’s also normal to bleed for several weeks as part of your uterus healing process. Once the bleeding stops, the area where the placenta was attached is usually healed. Temporary bladder control issues are common too, especially when your bladder is full. Experiencing redness or itching from maternity pads? Our Vulva Balm can soothe intimate skin irritation.

The first months

Hormonal changes don’t instantly stop after pregnancy. For a while, your vagina may feel drier or more sensitive. Our Intimate Moisturizer hydrates and cools in case of vaginal dryness. Healing from a tear or episiotomy may take a few months. The scar tissue softens gradually and skin sensation returns bit by bit. We have developed our Perineal Skin Oil not only to prepare you for birth, it can also be used to support your recovery. Use it to gently massage your perineum or birth scars. You might notice a heavy or dragging feeling in your vagina during the early weeks, this should fade as your pelvic floor ligaments and muscles regain strength.

The first birthday

When the first birthday of their child arrives, most women feel fully recovered. Most, not all. Danish research shows that two-thirds of women who had a difficult birth still report symptoms a year later – most commonly are pain during sex and pelvic floor problems.

“Research from VU Medical Center shows that 75 to 85% of women sustain some degree of perineal damage – in about 20% of cases a muscle tears.”

What heals on its own – and what doesn’t?

The biggest culprit of pelvic floor damage? Vaginal birth. Thankfully, most women recover well. But after multiple births or delivering a bigger baby, damage may remain. Cosmetic gynecologist Joke Haartsen, who specializes in postpartum vaginal recovery, advises: ‘Your body will be healing itself for a while, so I recommend waiting at least six months. Pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the area. If symptoms persist, it’s worth getting checked.’

What is not normal?

Joke Haartsen treats women with painful scar tissue following a tear or episiotomy, as well as those whose vagina has widened to the point where tampons fall out or who avoid exercise due to vaginal flatulence. Are you experiencing urine leakage, bowel control issues or problems during sex, such as pain? There are gynecologists who specialize in the pelvic floor and you can consult them if you’re unsure whether you’ve fully healed.

Self-care is in the small things

Healing after birth takes time. Pain or extreme fatigue are signs to slow down. Remember, your body has done something extraordinary and it’s natural that this affects how you feel. Self-care doesn’t have to be big, it’s in the small things: good sleep, nourishing food, a walk outside or a day at the spa. The better you care for yourself, the more space your body has to heal. Take your time, be kind to yourself – and yes, to your vagina too. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.