What’s Normal Down There After Childbirth?
Childbirth changes you in so many ways, both physically and emotionally. As you navigate your way through nighttime feedings, spit-up stains, and dirty diapers, don’t neglect your own health and healing.
Changes to your vagina and surrounding areas are very common after childbirth. But many people hesitate to ask questions about this very personal part of their postpartum recovery. Your body just went through something major, and it’s normal to have concerns.
Meredith Grady, DPT, a physical therapist and perinatal health specialist at 鶹ѧƷ, answers common questions about healing after birth.
“Most moms are not prepared for what happens to the pelvic floor during delivery, after delivery, and in those early postpartum days, especially first-time moms,” Grady says. “When I was expecting my first child, I spent so much time preparing for breastfeeding and how to take care of my baby that I never even thought about taking care of myself and my pelvic floor.”
Why Does My Vagina Look and Feel Different?
Childbirth is no walk in the park, and if you delivered vaginally, you might’ve experienced a perineal tear. In fact, 85% of people who deliver vaginally experience some degree of tearing. Even if you don’t, you may notice the following differences:
- Swelling, redness, or even bruising
- The vagina looking or feeling “heavy”
- Changes in the size or color of your labia
- Vaginal dryness
Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate some of the pain. Putting cold packs on the area can help reduce swelling. An abdominal binder is also beneficial as it lifts the belly and encourages those pelvic floor muscles to relax.
Why Does Sex Feel Uncomfortable or Painful?
It's totally valid to feel nervous about having sex for the first time postpartum. That area of your body just endured some major physical trauma, and it’s okay if you don’t want to have sex for a while.
Most people are advised to refrain from sex for at least four to six weeks after delivery, or until their tear has fully healed. Be sure to wait until your health care provider gives you the go-ahead and you feel ready before having intercourse again. If it feels different, or even a little uncomfortable in the first few weeks postpartum, try lubricant. Vaginal dryness and tense or tender pelvic floor muscles can cause some sensitivity.
“A pelvic floor physical therapist can help you navigate this part of your postpartum journey,” Grady says. “And lubricant is your friend when returning to intercourse.”
Communicate openly with your partner about what hurts and what doesn’t. However, if the pain is sharp or intense, or persists past the first few times, talk to your health care provider.
Grady recommends that her patients ask their providers about using hyaluronic acid, or HLA, suppositories to help with ongoing vaginal dryness. These can be especially helpful if someone is breastfeeding or had a baby later in life and is entering perimenopause at the same time.
Will My Vagina Ever Go Back to Normal?
This question doesn’t have a straightforward answer, as it varies from patient to patient. Your vagina did the hard work of birthing your child, and you will have to adjust to a new normal—and that’s okay.
How quickly your vagina looks and feels more normal will depend on several factors, including:
- Whether you delivered vaginally or had a c-section
- Your age
- How many times you’ve given birth
- If you tore during birth or experienced any other injuries
Going to pelvic floor physical therapy six weeks after childbirth can help rehabilitate your pelvic floor muscles. It can also help determine if you have any conditions that need further medical care, such as prolapse, which typically feels like a heaviness in your pelvic floor. Grady compares it to feeling like you’re wearing a tampon when you know you’re not.
How Long Will I Bleed After Birth?
Lochia, or postpartum vaginal bleeding, can be expected no matter how you delivered. It typically lasts up to six weeks but should get lighter over time. You may not bleed for as long if you had a c-section.
What Isn’t Normal?
While many postpartum vaginal changes are normal, some symptoms could point to something that shouldn’t be ignored. Reach out to your health care provider if you experience the following:
- Passing blood clots that are the size of a baseball
- Bleeding that is heavy enough to soak through a pad in an hour
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Severe pain
- Signs of infection at the tear site
- Difficulty urinating or having bowel movements
- Fecal incontinence
- Urine or stool coming out of the vagina, which could point to a
- Fever
- High blood pressure
- Symptoms of postpartum depression
The weeks and months immediately postpartum can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. Don’t hesitate to seek care if you have any concerns about your vaginal health.
Healing After Birth: What Every New Mother Should Know
The six weeks after childbirth are critical for physical healing and emotional adjustment. But many new mothers skip their postpartum visit. Learn why this period—often called the fourth trimester—plays a vital role in restoring pelvic floor health, managing hormonal shifts, and addressing complications early.
