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You’ve probably heard that it’s safe to get back to having intercourse six weeks after you have your baby. But, does it apply to every couple? And, are you among those regular moms who can get back to having physical intimacy a month and a half after you’ve undergone childbirth?
We’ve all had doubts and questions. But, what we need to avoid is pitfalls and pain. So, here we look at some of the commonly misconceived notions about intercourse, and what you can do to resume your night-time activities in the bedroom.
A few of the most important points from the Maternal Health and Maternal Morbidity in Ireland study shed light on some interesting facts about postpartum physical intimacy.
1. Nearly 45% women reported experiencing painful intercourse after childbirth, while such complaints before pregnancy were reported by only 23%.
2. Studies also hinted at the vagina being excessively dry during pregnancy and after childbirth.
3. More than half of the women who have been investigated reported to having intercourse twice in a week during pregnancy and the number further plummeted after giving birth.
4. Moreover, women who had intercourse once or twice a month rose from 14% to 51% after delivery, only hinting at a woman’s disinterest in giving vent to her libido.
5. Another startling statistic uncovered by the study was the woman’s overall satisfaction with physical intimacy with her partner. Before becoming pregnant, 50% women reported being satisfied with their physical intimacy, but this number came down to 40% after childbirth.
Health Research Board Fellow Deirdre O’Malley anticipates that these findings will be comforting for new moms who face issues like lack of libido, painful penetration and dryness in the vagina after childbirth.
O’Malley was quoted by the Irish Examinaer as saying: “They may be asking themselves ‘Am I the only one not having intercourse? Is there something wrong with me?’ but if they look at the Mammi stats, they may see that they are actually in the majority.
“If you think about it, there’s this whole emotional upheaval, particularly for a first-time mum.
“Then there’s the sleep deprivation and the sense that you can only look after baby, and you have this whole new kind of love.
“And there is often a more negative perception of body image — both how women perceive their own body and how they think their partner perceives it. It can all be so overwhelming,”
The survey covered more than 1,500 women from various parts of Ireland.
So, before you go blaming yourself, or indeed feel that you aren’t doing it right, it might be wise to think about the information presented here. Of course, your OB/GYN is the best judge of your condition. So, be sure to consult her if you have any more questions about making love after childbirth.
