How Long You Should Wait To Have Sex After Childbirth

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Pregnancy and parenthood can be a pretty amazing journey for a couple. However, all this joy comes at a small cost for them – celibacy. While coitus during pregnancy is possible, it goes a tad downhill in the last phase of the pregnancy and completely stops for a while after childbirth. Even then, couples are often unable to decide the right time to get into action between the sheets. Should they wait for a month or can they start right away or in a week’s time? Are you too in a similar place? So, if you’ve been wondering how long you need to wait after childbirth before you can start making love again, then here are a few facts for you:

In This Article

Intercourse After Childbirth: Why Wait? For How Long?

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Although there is no specific waiting time before you can indulge in lovemaking again, most health care providers recommend waiting for at least four to six weeks before you do it. Childbirth can be pretty excruciating for a woman, especially physically. Irrespective of the delivery method – vaginal, C-section, or water birth – tears, incisions, and bleeding is inevitable after delivery. In fact, women bleed heavily for the first few days after childbirth because of the wound left behind at the site of the uterus where once placenta was attached. This vaginal discharge contains, apart from blood, the mucus and uterine tissues, and is known as lochia (1). Not to forget that the chances of post-pregnancy complications are highest during the first 2-3 weeks. This is the reason why a woman’s body needs enough amount of time to heal after delivery.

Apart from the reasons already mentioned, there are other factors as well. A woman might experience postpartum fatigue, vaginal pain and dryness, and low libido due to the hormonal imbalances. After all, it isn’t possible to push a human being out and come out unscathed. And, if there was a vaginal tear during delivery that required an episiotomy (surgical stitch), then the wait might be a little longer as well (2).

Will It Be Painful?

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Due to the hormonal changes, the vaginal area might become dry and tender, especially if you are breastfeeding. And the healing episiotomy or perineal tears might also cause some pain. The lack of lubrication is another factor that might make lovemaking difficult for you. But there are ways in which you can address these issues beforehand. For instance, emptying your bladder will take off some of the pressure; a warm (not hot) shower to soothe the area, or taking an over-the-counter pain reliever will help to a great extent (3). However, if you continue to experience pain and discomfort, it is recommended that you immediately stop. Consult your doctor for effective treatment options before you resume.

What Are The Other Risks Involved?

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Apart from causing excessive bleeding or pain and other physiological problems, unexpected conception is another major risk. If a new mother is breastfeeding exclusively, her menstruation cycle hasn’t resumed and is at least six months postpartum, then breastfeeding may act as a fool-proof protection against unexpected pregnancy. However, its effectiveness also varies, so it is prudent not to take a chance (4). To reduce the risk of health complications and unexpected pregnancy, it is better to discuss with your doctor regarding the most appropriate contraception options. Your doctor will be able to recommend the right kind of contraception depending upon your overall health profile at the time of the visit.

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Physical intimacy is an integral part of a marital relationship. However, it doesn’t really need to be all about intercourse. There are different ways that you can experiment with. And if you are still uncomfortable at any stage, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your husband. He is sure to understand and you’ll soon wade through this difficult phase as well. After all, that is what love is all about – understanding, patience, and care!

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