Stage 1 Prolapse After Birth: Exactly What You Need to Know
The good news: you may find some scary information on the internet, but just know that this diagnosis is not an emergency. It is treatable; there are many ways in which we can help inside pelvic floor therapy, and with the right support, movement, and guidance, you can return to the activities you love without fear or discomfort.
So let’s talk about it…
You’ve just given birth and are experiencing vaginal heaviness and discomfort, perhaps it feels like something is falling out of your vagina. You're panicking, heading down a Google rabbit hole, and seeing the words pelvic organ prolapse.
And now you’re freaking out.
Now what?
First, take a breath. What you’re feeling is extremely common — and in many cases, it’s temporary and very treatable. Let’s talk about what’s happening and what you can do next.
What Is Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Pelvic organ prolapse happens when the pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues that support your bladder, uterus, or rectum stretch and allow one or more of these organs to descend slightly into the vaginal space.
There are four stages of prolapse:
Stage 1: The organ has descended slightly, but remains well inside the vagina.
Stage 2: The organ descends to the vaginal opening.
Stage 3: The organ protrudes outside the vaginal opening.
Stage 4: The organ is completely outside the vaginal opening.
Most postpartum prolapses are stage 1 or 2, and for many women, symptoms improve significantly with time and proper care.
What Causes Pelvic Organ Prolapse?
Prolapse can develop for a variety of reasons, and it’s rarely caused by just one factor. Instrument-assisted vaginal deliveries, long pushing stages, or delivering a larger baby can increase strain on the pelvic tissues. Chronic constipation and repeated straining, as well as long-term coughing from asthma, allergies, or smoking, also add persistent downward pressure that the pelvic floor has to counteract. And importantly, prolapse isn’t only about “weak pelvic floor muscles from below”—the ligaments and connective tissues that suspend the pelvic organs from above can also stretch or lose integrity over time. When both the support from below and the suspension from above are stressed, symptoms are more likely to show up.
Some Descent After Birth Is Normal
Here’s something most people don’t tell you: after pregnancy and vaginal delivery, some amount of pelvic organ descent is expected.
In fact, research shows that even women who have never given birth (nulliparous women) can have up to 2 cm of movement of their pelvic organs with natural pressure changes in the body.
So, a small shift in position after childbirth doesn’t necessarily mean something is “wrong” — it’s part of your body’s normal recovery process.
Symptoms You Might Notice
Common early signs of a stage 1 prolapse include:
A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the vagina
Feeling like something is falling out of your vagina
A bulging sensation (especially at the end of the day)
Increased pressure with lifting or straining
Symptoms that fluctuate with your menstrual cycle
You might not see or feel anything obvious, and that’s okay. Even subtle sensations are worth checking out.
How Pelvic Floor PT Can Help stage 1 prolapse (and beyond)
While pelvic floor PT can’t technically change the grade of a prolapse (we can’t move organs back up permanently), we can absolutely:
Reduce symptoms
Improve support and coordination of your pelvic floor and core
Teach you strategies for lifting, exercising, and managing pressure effectively
Guide you through recovery so your symptoms improve and you feel confident moving again
Many clients notice dramatic improvements in comfort and function within a few months of consistent therapy.
The Role of a Pessary for prolapse
A pessary is a small silicone device placed in the vagina to support the pelvic organs.
For many postpartum women, getting fitted early for a pessary can make a huge difference in comfort and function, especially if you’re on your feet a lot, chasing a toddler, or returning to exercise.
Some research suggests that a pessary may even help reduce the grade of a prolapse over time by providing better support during healing.
A pelvic floor physical therapist or urogynecologist can help determine if a pessary is right for you and refer you for fitting if needed.
Where to get treatment for stage 1 prolapse in thousand oaks
A stage 1 prolapse after birth doesn’t mean you’re broken — it means your body is recovering from an incredible physical event. With the right support, movement, and guidance, you can return to the activities you love without fear or discomfort.
If you suspect a prolapse or you’ve been told you have one, pelvic floor PT is a great place to start. We’ll assess your pelvic support, discuss your goals, and create a plan to help you heal and move confidently again.
We'd love to help you at Cappuccino Physical Therapy. We offer pelvic floor PT for prolapse as well as the overall postpartum period. We proudly serve the Conejo Valley.
Contact us to get started today. We'd love to help. Have questions before you begin? Submit a contact form or give us a call and we'll be in touch.
