6 Embarrassing Childbirth Questions Answered
Key Points
- The pregnancy and birth experience is unpredictable, which can induce anxiety.
- Arming yourself with information is one of the best ways to alleviate concerns, but it can be difficult to bring up certain topics with a partner, let alone a doctor or midwife.
- Even if some aspects of childbirth feel as though they'll be embarrassing, your healthcare team has seen it all before and will be there to support—not judge—you.
The pregnancy and birth experience can be beautiful, but some aspects of it are less than pretty. You've likely received advice from everyone, from the checkout clerk at the gas station to your in-laws and BFF.
But as your due date approaches, you likely have lingering questions—including some you've been too embarrassed to ask. Here, three OB-GYNs share their expertise, offer uncomplicated answers, and dispel myths and misconceptions.
How many females poop while giving birth?
"No scientific studies indicate how many people poop during labor and delivery, but it's probably around 30 percent," said Tiffany Pham, D.O., an OB-GYN in Houston and a medical advisor at women's health app Flo.
This happens because pushing a baby out of the birth canal exerts a force similar to defecation, and the baby's head can put pressure on the rectum.
The thought of pooping while giving birth may be mortifying, but it's nothing your healthcare providers won't have seen before.
"Your medical care team is quite used to this and will handle the situation discreetly, sometimes without you even realizing it has occurred," Pham said.
As for how to avoid pooping while giving birth, performing an enema at home or the hospital can empty the bowels.
"Some people eat lighter meals in the days before delivery, but these tactics don't always work and can cause more discomfort," she added. "It's best to acknowledge that this is just a natural process and focus on having a safe and healthy birth experience."
Will I have a vaginal prolapse after childbirth?
A vaginal prolapse, or pelvic organ prolapse, occurs when one or more pelvic organs drop or sag into the vaginal canal, according to Ila Dayananda, M.D., an OB-GYN and the chief medical officer at Oula Health in New York City.
"Your vagina is essentially a tunnel that connects the opening of the uterus (cervix) to the outside part of your body," Pham said. "When the muscles and support system that usually hold the uterus and other organs, such as the bladder and intestines, in place start to weaken, it can cause these organs to collapse into the vagina."
Several potential causes of vaginal prolapse are known, including age-related pelvic floor weakening, hormones, genetics and severe bowel issues, Dayananda said.
But prolapse after childbirth is by far the most common, affecting nearly 50 percent of women who give birth, according to The Royal Women's Hospital in Victoria, Australia.
"Depending on the degree of the collapse, you might not feel anything, or you might experience pressure or pain in the vaginal area," Dayananda said. "You might also feel bulging, particularly when you squat, lift heavy objects, jump, cough or sneeze. If you have symptoms or see a bulge, speak immediately to your doctor."
Bladder nerve damage after childbirth can also occur, according to UCLA Health.
"Side effects of bladder nerve damage or pelvic organ prolapse may include urinary leakage, trouble emptying your bladder, frequent bladder infections, and difficulty with sex or bowel movements," Pham said. "Sometimes, pelvic floor physical therapy, such as Kegels, can help restore strength and control, and a pessary—a plastic or silicone device that can be inserted into the vagina—can help support the collapsed tissue."
In severe cases, vaginal prolapse surgery may be required.
Recommended
- What Childbirth Class Should I Take?: There's no right or wrong way to have a baby, but choosing a class that aligns with your preferences and goals is best.
- Your Vagina After Childbirth: Giving birth puts a lot of stress on the vagina, and some aspects might look and feel different afterward. Usually, these changes are minimal and problems are resolved as the body heals.
- How to Advocate for Yourself During Childbirth: Labor and delivery don't always go according to plan, but if something seems wrong, it's important to know your rights.
Do some people orgasm during birth?
"It's very rare to orgasm during childbirth," said Adi Davidov, M.D., the associate chair of OB-GYN at Northwell Staten Island University Hospital in New York City. "I have never seen any of my patients orgasm during birth."
Research indicates orgasmic birth only occurs in about 0.3 percent of births, according to Pham.
"A 2013 survey of midwives in the U.K. found that patients were more likely to undergo an orgasmic birth in an environment where they felt more comfortable, such as a home birth, compared to the hospital," she said. "It's unclear why this happens."
A 2015 report supported the theory that the hormones that control labor, contractions and childbirth are also released during orgasm and sexual stimulation.
A different report from 2016 indicated that stimulation or compression of the birth canal, vagina and clitoral areas during birth could stimulate the same structures involved in sexual release.
How bloody is childbirth?
Everyone bleeds before, during and after labor, but it's probably not as bad as you think.
"There's usually spotting in the early stages of labor, when the cervix softens, dilates and expels the mucus plug," Davidov said. "The mucus plug is a thick collection of mucus that covers the cervix to prevent bacteria and other infections from reaching the baby."
"It has the thick consistency of snot or a jelly-like substance and can appear clear or off-white. It may also be tinged with blood or pink discharge," Pham said. "You may not feel anything when you pass your mucus plug. It may come out all at once or a little at a time."
Bleeding during delivery may come from tears in the cervix, vagina, perineum or vulva, she added. Once the placenta is delivered, bleeding may become heavier because the uterus contracts and constricts the blood vessels that fed it.
Davidov noted that most women can expect to lose about two cups of blood—about half a liter—during labor and delivery. More than one liter is concerning. Medical providers will routinely check blood loss to ensure you're not losing too much.
"In the postpartum phase, you may have bleeding similar to a period for three to four days, followed by lighter bleeding and discharge that should gradually diminish and stop within a few weeks," Pham said. "If your bleeding intensifies or you're passing clots the size of a golf ball or larger, speak with your healthcare provider."
Running Out of Excuses Not to Orgasm: Starting an aerobic exercise routine might be the key ingredient for more powerful climaxes.
Could I get a hymenal tag after childbirth?
Hymenal tags are usually present at birth, but vaginal delivery can cause them, too.
"The hymen is a thin piece of tissue that can partially cover the opening of the vagina that can stretch and break down or tear with activities such as sex, tampon usage, bike riding and sports," Pham said.
Usually, the broken-down tissue is absorbed into the vagina, but a tag may form when there's tissue left over. During labor, pushing may break down hymenal tissue and cause a tag to develop.
"These tags, usually less than half a centimeter in size, are benign," Pham said. "However, if it's rubbing against your underwear, causing pain during sex or masturbation, or making tampon use uncomfortable, a medical provider can remove it with a simple procedure."
Could my labia tear during childbirth?
"During vaginal childbirth, specifically when delivering the baby's head, parts of the genital tract may tear," Davidov said. "Usually, these tears occur in the perineum, or the area between the vagina and anus, but it can affect the cervix, vagina, vulva and labia."
For decades, many providers advocated for routine episiotomies, or incisions between the vagina and anus, to prevent perineal tears, but it's no longer recommended. Since they can take longer to heal and be more painful than natural tears, episiotomies are primarily used in high-risk situations, according to Pham.
"There is no surefire way to prevent tears during childbirth," she added. "Studies show that you can reduce your risk of tearing by applying warm compresses to the perineum while pushing or using techniques such as perineal massage."
You might also try applying oil to prevent tearing during childbirth.
"You can use natural oils like coconut or primrose oil to help lubricate the vaginal opening during perineal massage," Pham said.
Your medical provider will thoroughly examine your vaginal area after delivery and repair or suture any tears or incisions. Most tears heal reasonably quickly and are minimally painful.
The bottom line
It's completely normal to experience a range of emotions—including anxiety or even fear—before and during labor. As awkward as it may seem, sharing your concerns with your healthcare providers can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
Each pregnancy and birth experience is unique and unpredictable, and your healthcare providers have likely witnessed the entire spectrum of issues that could happen. It's important to communicate, and that means asking anything and everything.
"Bodily fluids, defecation, vomiting, passing gas and exposure of your intimate body parts can all be common occurrences during childbirth," Pham said. "While many people may find these situations embarrassing or stressful, your medical care team is very used to these things during birth and will handle issues discreetly without drawing attention to you.
"Focus your energy on your birth experience, health and well-being, and bonding with your baby after delivery."
