Can Postpartum Prolapse Heal Itself?

Experiencing prolapse after childbirth can feel overwhelming and frightening, but here’s what you need to know: postpartum prolapse is far more common than you might think, and rarely does someone require surgery. In fact, many cases of mild to moderate prolapse can improve significantly with consistent targeted rehabilitation and time.

As a movement professional with over two decades of experience helping people recover from core and pelvic floor issues, I’ve seen countless individuals heal from postpartum prolapse through consistent, whole-body approaches. The key is understanding what’s happening in your body and taking the right steps to support your recovery.

If you’re dealing with prolapse after giving birth, you’re not alone, and you’re not broken. Your body has just been through an incredible transformation, and with patience and the right approach, healing is possible.

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Table of Contents

Understanding Postpartum Prolapse

Postpartum prolapse refers to the downward displacement of one or more of the pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or bowel, into the vaginal canal.

This condition occurs when the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support your pelvic organs become stretched or strained during pregnancy and delivery. As a result, these organs can shift from their normal position. While this stress can temporarily disrupt your body’s support system, recovery is often possible with the proper care.

How Common Is Prolapse After Childbirth?

Your pelvic floor experiences significant stress during pregnancy, and symptoms of prolapse and other core-related issues can sometimes appear even before delivery. While a difficult birth can contribute to pelvic organ prolapse or diastasis recti, it’s not always the cause. As your baby grows, the pressure placed on your abdominal wall and pelvic support structures increases, which can lead to symptoms during pregnancy and afterward.

Many people first become aware of prolapse during the postpartum period, when tissues and muscles are still recovering. This shift in organ position, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum pressing into the vaginal or rectal walls, is a common response to the load-bearing demands of pregnancy and birth. For some, symptoms improve naturally over time with rest and movement-based recovery, while others may need more targeted support.

Types and Stages of Postpartum Prolapse

Prolapse can range from mild (Stage 1, where organs have descended slightly but remain mostly in place) to severe (Stage 4, where organs protrude outside the vagina).

The most common types of prolapse postpartum include:

Uterine prolapse postpartum – The cervix and uterus descend into the vaginal canal. This postpartum prolapsed uterus can range from mild displacement to complete protrusion.
Bladder prolapse postpartum (cystocele) – The bladder drops into the front wall of the vagina, often causing urinary symptoms.
Bowel prolapse (rectocele) – The rectum pushes into the back wall of the vagina, which can affect bowel movements.
Postpartum vaginal prolapse – The vaginal walls themselves lose support and can collapse inward or protrude.

It’s important to note that you may experience more than one prolapse simultaneously. For example, someone might have both a postpartum uterine prolapse and bladder prolapse at the same time.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Postpartum prolapse symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of prolapse, but common signs include:

A feeling of vaginal bulge or heaviness in the lower abdomen
Sensation of something “stuck” or “falling out” of the vagina, or “dragging”
Urinary incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder completely
Trouble with constipation or a feeling of incomplete evacuation
Low back, hip, or pelvic pain
Discomfort during intimacy
Feeling like you’re sitting on a small ball

These symptoms often affect multiple aspects of a woman’s daily life, including emotional and relational well-being [1].

Important: If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please speak with a pelvic health specialist or your healthcare provider.

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Why Does Prolapse Happen After Birth?

In short, it’s not uncommon for people to experience prolapse after giving birth. Prolapse postpartum occurs due to a combination of factors that affect the integrity and function of your pelvic floor support system during pregnancy and childbirth.

During pregnancy, your body produces relaxin, a hormone that softens connective tissues to prepare for birth. While this is necessary for delivery, it also means that the ligaments and tissues supporting your pelvic organs become more pliable and vulnerable to stretching. As you undergo the many hormonal changes, physical strain and stress, and accommodate the weight of your baby, the supportive tissues and muscles in your pelvic floor are strained – causing the organs to shift and become displaced.

Along with the hormonal and physical demands pregnancy places on your body, a vaginal delivery can also contribute to pelvic organ prolapse. The stretching and straining of the pelvic muscles beyond their limits can significantly compromise the strength and functionality of the pelvic region. Over-stretching can leave scarring and nerve damage, resulting in damaged tissues and muscle structures – causing the pelvic organs to shift downward into the vagina.

Contributing Factors

Several factors can contribute to the development of prolapse after birth:

Traumatic or instrumental delivery – Use of forceps, vacuum extraction, or complicated delivery
Baby’s birth weight – Larger babies require more stretching of the pelvic floor
Prolonged labor and extended pushing phases – Extended straining puts significant pressure on pelvic floor muscles
Multiple pregnancies and deliveries – Each pregnancy adds cumulative stress to pelvic floor tissues
Pelvic floor muscle weakness
Genetic factors – Connective tissue disorders put some individuals at greater risk
Chronic constipation and straining – Ongoing increased intra-abdominal pressure
Chronic coughing – Persistent pressure on pelvic floor muscles

Discover the top 3 steps to regain your fitness and strength postpartum–free

Can Postpartum Prolapse Heal Itself?

Yes, in many mild to moderate cases, postpartum prolapse improves significantly within a few months to a year with consistent care and rehabilitation.

This is one of the most hopeful aspects of postpartum prolapse: your body has a remarkable capacity for healing when given proper support. However, the timeline and extent of natural healing depend on several factors.

Understanding Recovery Timeframes

6 weeks postpartum: Your body is still in the acute healing phase. Some initial improvement may occur as inflammation reduces and tissues begin to repair.

3 months postpartum: You may notice more significant improvements in symptoms as your hormones begin to stabilize and your pelvic floor muscles start to regain strength.

12 months postpartum: This is often considered the timeframe for maximum natural recovery. Most people who will experience significant improvement through conservative treatment will see substantial changes by this point. However, if breastfeeding continues, hormonal effects may still influence the pace of healing and tissue response.

Your core and pelvic floor have undergone significant changes to accommodate your baby. Attempting to get back into an exercise or workout routine too quickly can place unnecessary pressure and strain on your postpartum core and pelvic floor muscles, which can delay healing and increase your risk of postpartum prolapse.

Evidence suggests that when guided and tailored to postpartum needs, pelvic floor–safe exercise routines contribute not only to prolapse recovery but also to improved outcomes for related core dysfunctions like diastasis recti [3].

These timeframes are approximate, and every person is unique; healing can take anywhere from a few weeks or months to over a year, depending on various factors. The most important thing to remember is that even if your prolapse doesn’t completely resolve on its own, core- and pelvic-floor-informed whole-body exercises and lifestyle modifications can dramatically reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Treatment and Recovery Options

How do you heal postpartum prolapse? The good news is that there are many effective, non-surgical approaches to treating prolapse postpartum.

There are many options to help you recover from postpartum pelvic organ prolapse. It’s important that after your delivery (once you’ve received clearance from your medical professional), you begin some form of postpartum rehabilitation. Options can range from working with a pelvic health physical therapist or occupational therapist to working with a movement specialist, such as those trained in the Restore Your Core® Method. In many cases, you would treat this condition similarly to any other physical injury: rest and gentle movement.

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy

Working with a pelvic health physical therapist is often the first line of treatment. A pelvic health physical therapist can:

Assess your specific type and severity of prolapse
Help you understand how your movement and breathing patterns increase pressure on the pelvic floor
Teach you proper pelvic floor muscle engagement
Provide exercises for your individual needs
Help you understand how to modify daily activities

Pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) has been shown to improve prolapse symptoms. A meta-analysis found that women who received PFMT experienced greater improvement in prolapse symptom scores compared to controls [2].

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Exercise and Movement for Recovery

Pelvic floor exercises are crucial to your recovery, especially after childbirth. Pelvic floor exercises are known for reducing the symptoms of prolapse and restoring function to the pelvic floor and core.

If you’ve discovered you have prolapse after childbirth, it’s essential to give your body time to heal and get medical clearance before starting any recovery work. Most people are advised to wait at least 6 weeks postpartum before beginning physical therapy or home-based exercises. If you experienced tearing, had a C-section, or other complications, your provider may recommend waiting even longer before beginning treatment.

Safe Exercise Guidelines

Once your medical provider has cleared you to return to exercise, practicing pelvic floor-safe exercise is essential for recovery and injury prevention. The right kind of movement can significantly support your recovery, while doing too much or too strenuous exercise too soon can put too much demand on the pelvic floor, delay healing or increase the risk of postpartum prolapse.

Evidence supports that postpartum pelvic floor muscle training can reduce the occurrence and severity of both urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse, while postpartum abdominal exercise training can reduce inter-rectus distance (diastasis recti) [3].

Safe exercises for prolapse recovery:

Walking (start slowly and gradually increase)
Breathing exercises that coordinate the diaphragm and pelvic floor function
Core strengthening techniques that don’t cause bulging, bearing down, or straining

Exercises to avoid:

High-impact activities like running or jumping
Traditional crunches or sit-ups
Heavy lifting (when possible, avoid lifting more than your baby’s weight in the first 6 weeks postpartum and longer if you have prolapse)
Crunches or other core exercises that increase intra-abdominal pressure
Exercises that cause visible bulging or doming of the abdomen, or increase pressure in the pelvic floor
Activities that increase your symptoms or cause discomfort

Additional Treatment Options

You may also need to treat any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the prolapse. Some additional treatment options include:

Treating chronic cough: To aid in reducing pressure and strain on the pelvic floor muscles
Avoid constipation: see the bowel management section below for more details
Vaginal pessary: A removable device that provides support to prolapsed organs, reducing the pressure on the pelvic floor

Lifestyle Factors That Support Healing

Bowel Management

Chronic constipation is one of the hidden contributors to prolapse progression. Straining during bowel movement increases pressure and can worsen prolapse symptoms. Managing your bowel health is essential for recovery and preventing the worsening of symptoms. While I’m not a dietitian, in many cases, changing your diet can help relieve symptoms of constipation and reduce the amount of straining you’ve been experiencing.

Dietary changes for improved bowel health:

Hydration: Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Proper hydration keeps the stool soft and easier to pass
Increase fiber intake: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet. Fiber adds bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements
Stool softeners: Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice; numerous options are available. Those with prolapse commonly use magnesium citrate to help manage constipation

The Critical Role of Rest

Resting can be one of the most challenging things for new parents, but it’s essential for prolapse recovery. While you’re caring for your little one and managing exercise and nutrition, remember that rest is vital to your healing process.

At the end of each day and during periods of downtime, to help relieve any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Listen to your pelvic floor: Pay attention to how your body feels throughout the day. If you notice increased heaviness or discomfort, it may be time for a rest; even 15 minutes with your feet elevated can make a difference.

Recovery from prolapse isn’t about pushing through discomfort or “bouncing back” quickly. It’s about working with your body’s natural healing processes and accepting that some days will be better than others. Celebrate small improvements rather than focusing on what you can’t do, and remember that healing isn’t linear, and you will have good and bad days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can postpartum prolapse heal itself naturally?

Yes, many cases of mild to moderate postpartum prolapse can resolve through natural healing processes combined with appropriate rehabilitation. The key is providing your body with the right conditions for healing: proper rest, appropriate exercise, good nutrition, and avoiding activities that increase symptoms.

How long does it take for postpartum prolapse to heal?

Every woman is unique, and the recovery period can vary depending on numerous factors. Healing ranges from a few months to over a year, depending on whether underlying factors are exacerbating the prolapse. While there are no overnight success stories, there are many successful individuals like you who have successfully healed their postpartum pelvic organ prolapse.

Will my prolapse get worse if I have another baby?

We do know that the more pregnancies an individual has, the risk of prolapse is increased, but that doesn’t mean there’s an increased risk for every individual. Taking a whole-body approach to pelvic floor recovery and, when appropriate, adding in a prenatal exercise program like BRM will reduce the risk of worsening prolapse in future pregnancies.

Can I develop a prolapse without ever being pregnant?

Yes, you can. While pregnancy and childbirth are well-known risk factors, studies show that pelvic organ prolapse can also occur in women who have never been pregnant and in men. Genetics, connective tissue differences, chronic straining, and lifestyle factors can all play a role. Interestingly, some women who have had multiple children experience little to no symptoms, while others who’ve never given birth may develop noticeable prolapse. If you’re living with prolapse and considering having children, it’s entirely possible to do so safely – there’s no need to let fear dictate your decision.

How can you speed up the postpartum healing process?

No matter how you gave birth, never underestimate the need for recovery. Your body has been stretched and stressed to the max during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and more than anything, your body needs rest! The first six to eight weeks postpartum are considered the standard recovery time. You may have had an easy pregnancy or delivery, but your body is still recovering from the experience. There’s no quick fix/solution after giving birth.

Does postpartum prolapse improve?

There has been little research conducted on whether or not postpartum prolapse will heal. However, we do know that many women will have relief from symptoms within six months, while others may experience chronic problems for years if not decades. The severity of prolapse also plays a role – those with milder cases usually recover more quickly than those with a severe prolapse.

How do you fix postpartum prolapse?

Treatment for postpartum prolapse typically involves a combination of approaches. Pelvic floor physical therapy is often the first line of treatment, where specialists assess your posture, pelvic strength, breathing mechanics, and muscle function.

Pelvic floor exercises, combined with lifestyle modifications such as proper rest, bowel management, and avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, can be highly effective. Additional options include pessaries for support and, in some cases, hormone therapy. The specific approach depends on the type and severity of prolapse, as well as age and stage of life, but many people find significant improvement through conservative treatment.

What is the best program for healing postpartum prolapse naturally at home?

When seeking a comprehensive approach to naturally healing postpartum prolapse, the Restore Your Core® 12-Week Program provides a whole-body method that addresses not only the pelvic floor but also the entire core system. Unlike programs that focus on isolated exercises, Restore Your Core® takes a whole-body, holistic approach that recognizes how pregnancy and childbirth affect your entire body. The program includes modifications for different abilities and stages of healing, teaching you to manage intra-abdominal pressure – one of the key factors in prolapse development and healing.

[1] Carroll, L., O’Sullivan, C., Doody, C., Perrotta, C., & Fullen, B. (2022). Pelvic organ prolapse: The lived experience: A qualitative study. PLOS ONE, 17(11), e0276788. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276788

[2] Li, C., Gong, Y., & Wang, B. (2016). The efficacy of pelvic floor muscle training for pelvic organ prolapse: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Urogynecology Journal, 27, 981–992. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-015-2848-1

[3] Beamish, N. F., Davenport, M. H., Ali, M. U., Gervais, M. J., Sjwed, T. N., Bains, G., Sivak, A., Deering, R. E., & Ruchat, S.-M. (2024). Impact of postpartum exercise on pelvic floor disorders and diastasis recti abdominis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2023-107465