[uwsider]

I'm 22 weeks into my second pregnancy and am experiencing extra vaginal pressure and a feeling of vaginal fullness when lifting anything or straining during bowel movements. There is no pressure when I'm on my back.

My two pregnancies were fairly close together (children will be 18 months apart) and my the labor and birth of my first child was somewhat (but not exceptionally) long: 26 hours of contractions 3 hours of active pushing. My newborn was 7 lbs at birth.

Since childbirth, I've leaked urine when I cough, sneeze, run, or am several seconds away from sitting on the toilet (release occurs but I can't stop the flow), all of which worsened around 16 weeks or so into this pregnancy. In the past week, in addition, I feel like there is a solid mass in my vagina/perineum area. This area is also very tender.

I've made an appointment with my OB to evaluate and I do pelvic floor exercises, but was wondering how often you have heard of this at the PYC. I clearly have urinary stress incontinence, but am wondering if my symptoms could also indicate early-stage vaginal prolapse.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Deb]

Hi,

It is not unusual to have a weaker pelvic floor during the second pregnancy, especially with the two pregnancies being rather close together. However, your experience seems a little more heightened than others I have heard.

I think it is great that you are meeting with your OB/GYN. I would also recommend consulting with a physical therapist that specializes in pelvic floor dysfunction. Amy Stein, is a former student of the PYC and the author of the book, Heal Pelvic Pain. I strongly recommend meeting with her or another PT that can give you some more help with regaining the stregnth of your pelvic floor. As much as I praise the work of Kegel exercises, sometime you need more focused exercises.

Amy's contact info:
165 W 46th Street (AKA 1560 Broadway)
Suite 311, New York, NY 10036
Phone (212) 354-2622 • Fax (212) 354-2752

Take care,
Deb