Pregnancy is an exciting experience. Your body is constantly growing and changing, so it’s hard to know what is normal before and after giving birth. The gynecology professionals at Midwest Urogynecology, a women’s health practice in St. Louis, MO, are experts at guiding you through the process.

They say the vagina is one part of the body that will undergo significant changes after you give birth and explain what to expect:

• Increased Width: Immediately after you give birth, you might notice your vagina looks wider, bruised, or swollen. For most women, this will last only a few days. Your vagina might not return to its prebirth shape, but that usually is not a problem. Gynecology experts suggest performing pelvic floor exercises, known as Kegels, to strengthen the area, help your vagina feel firmer, and reduce urinary incontinence. 

• Dryness: Hormone levels fluctuate during pregnancy and childbirth. Your estrogen level will drop after you have a baby, especially if you are breastfeeding, which can lead to vaginal dryness. If this is causing discomfort during sex, use a lubricant. Talk with a gynecology professional if the problem persists.

• Perineum Soreness: The perineum, the muscular area just below the vaginal opening, stretches and even can tear during childbirth. If your doctor performed an episiotomy —  a surgical cut in the perineum to ease delivery — you might have stitches in that area as well. This part of the body usually takes 6–12 weeks to heal, so it might feel sore or tender. Keep the area clean and perform pelvic floor exercises to speed healing.  

Other common postpartum changes include pain during sex and an overactive bladder. However, each body is different, and not all women experience each of these symptoms. If you have questions, seek answers from the gynecology professionals at Midwest Urogynecology. Call (314) 596-9955 or contact them on their website to arrange an appointment. Check their Google+ page for more women’s health care insight.