I thought my insides were falling out what I didn't expect after childbirth

"The former BBC 5 Live journalist and podcaster was experiencing pelvic organ prolapse - a condition that affects around one in twelve women, but which many have never even heard of. Prolapse happens when one or more of the organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder, bowel or uterus, slip from their usual position and bulge into the vagina. It's not life-threatening, but it can have a profound impact on daily life, relationships and mental health."

"For Helen, the shock came just two weeks after a difficult birth with her second child. "I stood up from the sofa and suddenly felt things shift," she recalls. "It felt like when a tampon isn't sitting properly, you can feel something's not right." Confused and frightened, she grabbed a mirror and her phone to see what was happening. "I'd never even heard the term prolapse before," she says."

Helen Ledwick experienced pelvic organ prolapse shortly after a difficult second birth, noticing a sudden internal shift and unfamiliar sensations. Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when pelvic organs such as the bladder, bowel or uterus slip from their usual position and bulge into the vagina, affecting around one in twelve women. The condition is not life-threatening but can deeply affect daily activities, relationships and mental health. Initial medical responses offered limited urgency and advised avoiding activities like running, jumping or lifting. The condition often generates shame, silence and isolation, contributing to low awareness among women and health professionals.

Read at www.bbc.com