Women giving birth to multiple children are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis and pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
1. Postpartum and Osteoporosis
Women having multiple childbirths face an increased risk of postpartum osteoporosis.
Pregnancy, particularly when carrying twins, places significant demands on the body. These include calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D to support fetal bone development. If these nutrients are not sufficiently provided during pregnancy, women may experience reduced bone density.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding cause a reduction in estrogen levels. Estrogen helps maintain bone density, and its reduced levels can increase the risk of bone loss. This is especially true for women with multiple pregnancies. Carrying multiple babies places extra burden on the body, including the bones and joints, especially in the lower back and hips. These bones may be subjected to increased strain and vulnerability to weakening.
2. Postpartum and POP
When the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, or rectum) drop from their normal positions due to weakened support from pelvic floor muscles and ligaments, POP occurs. The risk of developing POP increases in women who have multiple pregnancies or twins due to several factors.
During pregnancy, especially with twins, the pelvic floor muscles are stretched to accommodate the growing uterus. In some women, these muscles may not fully regain their strength postpartum, leading to an increased risk of POP. Childbirth by vaginal delivery, particularly multiple births or twins, can cause repeated labor and damage the pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. A traumatic or difficult delivery, such as a prolonged labor or the use of forceps, can increase the risk of POP.
During pregnancy and childbirth, the hormone relaxin is released to help loosen and relax muscles, ligaments, and joints, particularly in the pelvis, to prepare the body for childbirth. After childbirth, these muscles and ligaments may take time to regain their strength, leaving the pelvic organs more prone to prolapse.
3. Osteoporosis and POP
There is emerging evidence suggesting that osteoporosis may cause POP. There are several theories.
(i) Weakened Pelvic Bones: Osteoporosis affects bone density. The pelvic bones, such as the sacrum, pubic bones, and the vertebrae, may become weakened in women with osteoporosis. Weakened pelvic bones reduce the support for pelvic muscles that support the pelvic organs, causing the organs to prolapse.
(ii) Ligament Support: The pelvic organs are anchored to the pelvic bones by ligaments. These ligaments may become loose due to osteoporosis. This may cause organs to prolapse.
(iii) Postpartum Physical Stress: After giving birth, the body undergoes changes in posture and weight distribution. The weakened bones and ligaments from osteoporosis, combined with the physical stress of childbirth, can increase the risk of POP, especially if the pelvic floor muscles are weak.
In summary, osteoporosis can increase the risk of POP. The weakened pelvic bones and ligaments in women with osteoporosis reduce the support of the pelvic organs. When combined with the stresses of multiple childbirths, hormonal fluctuations, and vaginal deliveries, POP may occur. Several scientific studies have linked osteoporosis to an increased incidence of POP. Women with osteoporosis and prolapse may benefit from combined treatments, including Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles, bone health management to improve bone density, and other supportive measures to support wound healing, tissue regeneration, and inflammation reduction. We have formulated a group of products, such as the KegelBoost Kit, to complement Kegel exercise. You can achieve a speedy recovery if you combine Kegels with this kit. This article explains: How to Make Kegel Exercises More Effective for Pelvic Health?