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Postpartum
Sex
Yes, you can have
great sex after pregnancy!
Congratulations
on giving birth to your baby! So, when can you start having sex again,
and what should you do to prepare? Here are some general guidelines
to follow for postpartum sex. Remember to check with your doctor or
midwife about birth control first!
If You Had a
Normal Birth
Most new mothers
are advised to hold off on intercourse until six weeks after delivery,
which is when they have their postpartum checkup. You'll want to make
sure that you've had a chance to heal, and that the lochia (discharge
of leftover blood and uterine tissue) has stopped. Pay attention to
your body--the time your body takes to recover is largely individual.
Your partner should wear a condom, and you might need to use a personal
lubricant.
If You Had an
Episiotomy, Cesarean, or Other Procedure
If you had an
episiotomy or other laceration, the time it takes to heal will depend
on how extensive it was and where the cutting was done. Even at six
weeks, women who have had this procedure will probably still have
discomfort if they attempt intercourse. Fortunately, there are ways
to alleviate some of that discomfort. In some cases, an over-the-counter,
water-based vaginal lubricant can help.
Other Factors
Affecting Readiness
Your hormones
won't return to normal until after you've begun menstruating again.
That may not be for four to twelve weeks after delivery. If you're
breastfeeding, it might take considerably longer.
Also, caring
for a newborn day and night may leave you too fatigued to want sex.
You might feel "touched out" after cuddling a newborn much
of the day. Talk to your partner about your feelings.
What to Expect
When you resume
having sex, it may be slightly--or very--uncomfortable at first. You
and your partner may have some fears about whether you've healed completely
(even though your doctor gave you the go-ahead to have sex). Here
are three things you need to know about postpartum sex:
1. It will be
different. Accept that you'll be making love rather delicately during
these first few months. Your postpregnancy sex may also be plagued
by common fears that your body will feel "different" to
your partner after having given birth. The genital area does revert
to its prepregnancy state. Kegel exercise can help to restrengthen
the pelvic floor muscles.
2. Your breasts
have changed--again. After you have a baby, your breasts that were
perhaps fuller, firmer, and more fun to have in bed with you may now
suddenly be leaking on you and your partner during sex.
3. Your partner
may have hidden fears. Your partner may have fears or questions he
or she is afraid to bring up. Men expect your body to go through major
changes during pregnancy, but many are unprepared for the physical
changes women will experience after baby.
If your partner
is in the delivery room with you, he can be awed by the miracle of
birth yet simultaneously stunned by the physical pain and trauma you're
experiencing. The good news: This typically proves to be a temporary
phase, and as with most things postpartum, all that's needed to help
fade those images is a little time.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
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