7 things you should know about your post-baby vagina

After nine months of changes, nothing is ever going to be the same

Did you know that, as a new mother, your body is going through just as many changes right after giving birth as during pregnancy? You may not notice it, but you’re gaining brain mass, recovering your normal uterus size, and secreting hormones that help with breastfeeding.

Aside from all these, you may have to come to terms with a new vagina. What do you expect when you’ve had an actual person pop out of there? Here are some of the "vagina experiences” you’re going to have, thanks to your new body and new baby.

Click Next to find out seven important details about your post-baby vagina.

You're still going to pee a little

Sorry, mommies, but you can’t go on a trampoline or do intense abdominal workouts for a while. Your urinary incontinence continues after you’ve given birth, thanks to the strain you’ve put on your pelvic muscles during labor.

But don’t worry, doctors say the incontinence goes away on its own. If you’re worried, you can ask your doctor about meds or having surgery done. Consider continuing with good ol' Kegel exercises to help train your pelvic floor muscles to hold it in better.

You're going to get fishy

You know that fishy smell you get down there when you have your period? Since you’re going to be shedding your uterine lining for a month or so after your delivery, consider the fact that you may be wearing a particular eau de fish scent everywhere.

This is because you’ll be shedding very old blood and tissue, also known as lochia, just after giving birth. This can give off a fishier smell than your usual menstruation. Consider using odor-neutralizing pads and stronger feminine wash.

You might be feeling less moist than usual

While "dry” can be too strong a word to describe your post-baby lady bits, what with the lochia and weird smells, your vagina may be less lubricated after giving birth. When the lochia stops, you have to deal with discomfort, itching, and a higher difficulty setting when getting back in the sack with your husband.

Use an appropriate moisturizing wash for your lady parts (that is recommended by your doctor) and a water-based lube when you’re ready to have sex again. If you feel abrasions or if the smell can’t be controlled because it’s particularly rank, go see your doctor.

You're not going to be pretty and pink anymore

Are you one of the brave ones who got a good look at yourself down there? Perhaps you had to check if the Brazilian wax you had was thorough or had to take some sexy pics for your hubby. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t recognize your own vagina; doctor’s say it’s normal.

Thanks to our ubiquitous hormonal changes, you may see some darkening of the labia and of other parts of your vagina. Sometimes it goes away, sometimes it doesn’t, but doctors say color changes are quite normal.

You're more prone to infections

Thanks to your dryness and hormonal changes, you’re more susceptible to vaginal infections. You are also at higher risk for urinary tract infection or UTI thanks to the incontinence.

Go to the doctor immediately if you exhibit the following symptoms after delivery:

Fever Strong and persistent urge to urinate Burning sensation during urination

You're not going to be as tight as before

Does this mean you need to have surgery? Will it be different for your husband? While only time can tell, this is really the inevitable conclusion of your pregnancy. While your uterus gets to go back to normal size, your vagina may not be as lucky.

You can ask your doctor for some restorative surgery. But that still means going under the knife and putting yourself at risk—especially now that you’ve just given birth. Keep doing those Kegels and other exercises as they can help in strengthening the muscles down there and getting back into shape.

You might be sore inside for a while

For some mommies, the pain of childbirth lasts long after delivery. The uterine contractions and soreness from having your vagina stretched, torn, and stitched may need some time to fade.

Glam-o-mamas co-founder and mother of 3, Amanda Griffin-Jacob, suggests you try boiled guava leaf extract as a rinse for your swollen lady bits. This cleansing and soothing rinse works well even with C-section sutures and other wounds!

Getting used to your new vagina

While we can always say that your new vagina is a badge of motherhood, we have to remember that no one else is going to see it save our husbands. Consider it your new normal or something to laugh about over tea or brunch with fellow moms. You may be surprised at how common your post-baby vagina concerns actually are.

How are you dealing with post-baby vagina changes? Share with us your experiences in the comment box below!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dana Santos

If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them in our Comment box below. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Google+ to stay up-to-date on the latest from theAsianparent.com Philippines

Written by

Danielle Ann Abesames-Santos

Postpartum Careafter pregnancyvaginapost-baby vaginanew momsEnglish