No Sex after Birth?
- purpose011194
- Mar 13, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 6, 2024
Yes, celibacy is a part of your pregnancy journey.
Doctors usually recommend that couples abstain from sex for 6 to 10 weeks post labor and delivery based on various interventions or complications that may arise (c-section incision, episiotomy, vaginal scarring). Your body requires healing time.
Your uterus and cervix undergo significant changes during pregnancy and childbirth, and they need time to properly recover. During this healing phase, the lining of the uterus, especially the site where the placenta was attached, is at risk for infection. Intercourse, douching, tampons, and anything else inserted into the vagina may introduce bacteria and cause an infection.
A perineal tear or episiotomy that required stitches can take three weeks or longer to heal, depending on the extent of the tear. If you have sex too soon, it can be painful and it can disrupt the healing of the wound and cause a rupture that may require a surgical procedure to repair. (Don’t forget that not all tears require stitches, and even small tears need time to heal!)
POSTPARTUM CHECKUP:
At your postpartum checkup, your healthcare provider will let you know if it's okay to have sex again. They may do a pelvic exam to look at your labia, vagina, uterus, and cervix to make sure healing is complete. If you had a c-section, they'll check your incision site too.
Beyond that all-clear from your provider, you know your body best, and you'll know if you’re ready for sex when you feel, physically, mentally, and emotionally ready. It's okay if you're more comfortable waiting longer to resume sex. Many new parents find that amid the exhaustion of the postpartum period, they’re not interested in sex for quite some time.
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YOUR RECOVERY CARE:
After delivery your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and breathing will be checked often. In addition, stomach dressing if cesarean delivery, your perineum, and vaginal bleeding are monitored. If you had an epidural or spinal anesthetic, you will be placed on bed rest until the effects wear off. All parents should ask for staff assistance when getting out of bed the first time. Rest as much as you can while in the hospital. The staff will help you learn how to care for yourself and your baby. Your hospital stay is usually 1 to 2 days for a vaginal delivery or 2 to 3 days after a cesarean birth. You may stay longer if you have complications. Plan ahead for your trip home from the hospital. You may be asked to complete a brief survey about your mood. This helps identify if you are at risk for postpartum depression.
AFTER VAGINAL DELIVERY:
You will be encouraged to get up and move about within 2 hours after a vaginal delivery. Empty your bladder as soon as you can after delivery. If there were no complications, you may shower when you feel like it and have a regular diet. Sitting on an ice pack for the first 24 hours may relieve discomfort. Then change to the moist heat of a warm sitz bath. Medicines (pills and cream) also help.
AFTER CESAREAN DELIVERY:
Most patients receive pain medicine following the delivery that lasts for about 12 hours. You will usually stay in bed for 6 to 8 hours. Then you are encouraged to get up and move about with help. It is usually hardest to get up that first time, and a hospital staff member should assist you the first few times. Have someone help you when you feed or hold your baby. For the first 12 hours you should drink only small sips of water and eat only ice chips. You will then be started on clear liquids, and after that, solid food. To help minimize gas, avoid very hot or very cold drinks and do not use a straw. Moving and walking around also helps. Slow, deep breathing with a pillow over the incision will help. Inhale and allow your stomach to go out. Exhale and pull your stomach in. Repeat this several times an hour for the first few days. Limit strenuous activity until your body recovers. To prevent infection, do not place anything in your vagina or have sex for a few weeks.
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content is for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice
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