Is It Normal to Feel Like My Vagina Could Fall Out in Week 40 of Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a beautiful and life-changing experience, but it can also bring about moments of confusion, fear, and sometimes discomfort. One of the more unexpected sensations you might experience is a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area, leading you to worry that your vagina could “fall out.” If you’re in your third trimester and noticing this sensation, you may be asking, “Is this normal?” While it may sound strange, feeling pressure or heaviness in the pelvic region during pregnancy is actually fairly common. The physical and hormonal changes that occur during the antenatal period can result in a variety of sensations, some of which might feel unusual or alarming. So, if you’ve been looking at the sky or standing up and feeling like your vagina might fall out, it’s understandable to be concerned, but chances are, you’re experiencing a normal part of pregnancy. In this article, we’ll explore why these feelings of pressure happen in pregnancy, what they might mean, and when it’s time to seek advice from your healthcare provider. We’ll also provide some helpful strategies for managing this sensation, ensuring you feel empowered and informed during the later stages of your antenatal care.

1. Why Does the Feeling of “Falling Out” Occur in Pregnancy?

a) Physical Changes to the Body

During pregnancy, your body goes through a range of changes to support the growing baby. As you approach the third trimester, the uterus expands and puts pressure on the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder, rectum, and vagina, are often stretched and weakened by the increasing weight of the uterus. This pressure can create a sensation of heaviness or even a feeling that your vagina might “fall out,” especially when standing for long periods or after physical exertion.

b) The Role of the Baby’s Position

The position of the baby can also contribute to the feeling of pressure in the pelvic region. If the baby’s head is low in the pelvis, this can increase the pressure on the pelvic floor. This is common as you near your due date, especially if the baby has dropped into the birth canal in preparation for delivery. Feeling pressure or heaviness when you stand up or move around is typically a sign that the baby is settling into a position that’s preparing your body for labour.

c) Hormonal Changes and Relaxation of Muscles

Throughout pregnancy, your body releases hormones that help relax the muscles and ligaments, preparing them for labour. Relaxin is one such hormone that loosens the pelvic joints and ligaments to allow for the expansion of the pelvis during childbirth. While this is necessary for the delivery process, it can also contribute to a feeling of instability in the pelvic region. When combined with the growing weight of the baby and uterus, this relaxation of the pelvic muscles can cause you to feel a sensation of fullness or pressure in the vaginal area.

2. Common Conditions that Could Contribute to the Feeling of “Falling Out”

a) Pelvic Organ Prolapse

In rare cases, the feeling of pressure in the pelvic area may be due to a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse. This occurs when one of the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, descends into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Prolapse is more common after childbirth, but it can occur during pregnancy as well, particularly if there is significant pelvic floor weakness. If you feel a sensation of something “falling out” or notice a bulge in the vaginal area, it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider for an evaluation.

b) Round Ligament Pain

Another common cause of pelvic discomfort during pregnancy is round ligament pain. The round ligaments are responsible for supporting the uterus, and as the uterus grows, these ligaments stretch and can cause sharp, cramp-like pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. While round ligament pain typically feels more like a sharp or stabbing pain, some women experience a deep sense of pressure or fullness in the vaginal area as well. This is often most noticeable when moving quickly, standing up, or coughing.

c) Constipation and Bloating

In some cases, the sensation of pressure in the pelvic region may be caused by constipation or bloating. During pregnancy, the digestive system slows down due to hormonal changes, and this can lead to constipation, which in turn can cause a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen and pelvic region. Bloating can also contribute to this feeling, as the intestines press against the uterus and pelvic floor.

3. When Should You Be Concerned?

While the sensation of your vagina “falling out” can be normal, there are certain symptoms to watch for that may indicate a need for further evaluation:

• Severe Pelvic Pain: If you experience severe or persistent pelvic pain that doesn’t go away with rest or changes in position, it may indicate a problem such as pelvic organ prolapse or another condition that requires medical attention.
• Urinary Incontinence or Difficulty with Bowel Movements: If you notice difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, or if you feel like you cannot empty your bladder completely, these may be signs of pelvic organ prolapse or significant pelvic floor weakness.
• Heavy Bleeding or Discharge: If you experience heavy bleeding or a significant change in vaginal discharge, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider immediately, as this may indicate a more serious issue. If you are ever unsure whether a sensation is normal, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your antenatal clinic or your healthcare provider to get clarity. They can assess your symptoms and provide guidance on how to manage discomfort during the final weeks of pregnancy.

4. Managing the Sensation of Pressure in the Pelvic Area

There are several strategies you can implement to help manage the sensation of pelvic pressure and discomfort as you approach your due date:

a) Strengthening the Pelvic Floor with Antenatal Yoga

One of the best ways to manage pelvic pressure and improve your pelvic floor health is through antenatal yoga. Yoga during pregnancy focuses on gentle stretching, relaxation, and strengthening exercises that can help alleviate discomfort and prepare your body for childbirth. Specific poses and movements can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which may help reduce feelings of pressure and support better alignment in the pelvis. Consider enrolling in pregnancy yoga classes to learn more about how to use yoga to support your body during this stage of pregnancy. Many women find that regular practice of yoga for pregnancy provides them with a sense of relief and reduces stress during the final weeks.

b) Prenatal Massage for Relaxation

Incorporating prenatal massage into your self-care routine can also provide relief. Massage for pregnancy targets the muscles and tissues that are under strain, especially in the pelvic region and lower back. Prenatal massage can help to release tension and improve circulation, which may alleviate some of the pressure you’re feeling.

c) Good Posture and Movement

Maintaining good posture is key in reducing pelvic pressure. Try to stand tall, with your shoulders back and pelvis aligned, to help distribute the weight more evenly across your body. When you need to lift objects, squat instead of bending at the waist. Also, avoid standing for long periods of time, as this can exacerbate pressure on the pelvic floor.

d) Rest and Elevation

Resting when you feel fatigued is crucial. When resting, try to elevate your legs to reduce swelling and ease the pressure on your pelvic region. Lying on your side, with a pillow placed between your knees, can also help alleviate discomfort.

5. When to Seek Professional Help

If you continue to feel as though something is “falling out” or experience any of the more concerning symptoms mentioned earlier, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider. Regular antenatal checkups and pregnancy clinic visits are vital in monitoring your health and the well-being of your baby. Your healthcare provider can assess whether the sensations you’re experiencing are part of normal pregnancy changes or if they indicate a condition that requires medical intervention. While it may be alarming to feel like your vagina could “fall out” during the later stages of pregnancy, it’s typically a normal response to the physical and hormonal changes happening in your body. Pressure on the pelvic floor, baby positioning, and muscle relaxation are all common contributors to this sensation. However, if you have any concerns or experience additional symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek advice from your antenatal clinic or healthcare provider. Managing this feeling through antenatal yoga, prenatal massage, good posture, and self-care practices can help alleviate discomfort and support you during the final stretch of pregnancy. Remember, your healthcare team is there to provide antenatal support, so always feel empowered to reach out with any questions or worries.