Sex after delivery, know when it's the right time

Pregnancy and the delivery of a child can be one of the most exciting and life-changing experiences for a woman. It can also be physically and emotionally draining. It is important to ensure that a new mother is healthy and physically fit to engage in intimate relations with her partner. And there is a lot more to it than meets the eye.

We all know that sex after pregnancy is not bad, but when is the right time to resume?

After the first ten days postpartum, you are free to start having sex again. But is it okay to get back to being intimate with your partner so soon? We look at the right time to get back to the bedroom and when you might want to stay away.

How does delivery have an impact on sex?

Sex is the most natural and beautiful thing in love, but sometimes a mother's body may not be ready for sexual intercourse after the baby is delivered. Understanding pregnancy and what happens to a woman's body can help in better understanding this.

According to a study published in 2005 by the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, approximately 83 per cent of women experience some kind of sexual problem within three months of their first delivery. However, the problems start decreasing over time.

One of the major causes of these sexual problems is hormonal imbalance. After pregnancy, oestrogen levels return to pre-pregnancy levels. Breastfeeding may cause oestrogen levels to fall below pre-pregnancy levels. Because oestrogen aids in the production of natural vaginal lubricant, relatively low levels of the hormone increase the chance of vaginal dryness.

The most common problems with postpartum sex after birth includes:

• Vaginal dryness
• Soreness
• Vaginal pain along with occasional bleeding
• Thinning of vaginal tissue or loss of elasticity in vaginal tissue
• Episiotomy (Perineal Tear)
• Pain
• Loose muscles 
• Low libido

What are the effects of pregnancy and delivery on libido?

Pregnancy and delivery can have a significant impact on a woman's libido. The physical and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can lead to fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms that can interfere with sexual desire and enjoyment. 

The emotional roller coaster of pregnancy and the demands of caring for a new baby can also take a toll on a woman's sexual drive. In addition, the pain and recovery associated with childbirth can make sex less enjoyable or even painful for some women. 

If you're breastfeeding, it could take longer than it would for women who aren't to get their libido back. This is due to the fact that nursing lowers estrogen levels. It also varies significantly for every woman.

Once a woman has stopped breastfeeding, her hormones will undergo changes, and her body will adapt to this "new normal."

However, for many women, the increased closeness and intimacy with their partner during pregnancy and after the birth of their child can actually enhance their sexual relationship.

How soon can you get pregnant after giving birth?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on a number of factors, including your individual physiology and whether or not you are breastfeeding. 

Some women ovulate as early as two weeks after giving birth, while others may not ovulate again for several months. If you are not breastfeeding, you may be able to conceive as soon as four to six weeks after giving birth. 

However, if you are breastfeeding, it is possible that you may not ovulate again until you stop breastfeeding.

In certain cases, even if you are breastfeeding and your periods haven't yet resumed, you can become pregnant after giving birth in as little as 3 weeks. To avoid an unwanted pregnancy, you must use some kind of contraception every time, even the first time you have intercourse after giving birth.

How to make sex less painful after birth?

The first sex after pregnancy must always be gentle, and you should feel comfortable.

• If it hurts, say it- it is not compulsory that you might feel the same about sex after delivery. Sex after birth must not necessarily be unpleasant and painful; it should rather be pleasurable.

• Be gentle- use some personal lubricant, if necessary. You might not be as lubricated as usual after giving birth due to hormonal changes. Feel free to express it to your partner.

• Take the help that you need- there can be a few things you haven't tried earlier but might try now. During your post-natal check-up, you must discuss all the complications with your gynaecologist. Take time to relax and understand your body, as it is undergoing a lot of changes.

When is the right time to have sex after delivery?

Having a baby is a life-changing event, and it can take some time to adjust to your new role as a parent. When it comes to sex after delivery, there is no right or wrong time, it's all about what feels right for you and your partner. 

If you're feeling ready, then go for it! You may find that you have more energy and desire than you did before you had your baby. However, if you're not feeling quite ready yet, that's OK too. It's important to listen to your body and do what feels comfortable for you.

The right time for sex after childbirth differs for every individual. If you're unsure, talk to your partner about it. They may be feeling the same way. It can be helpful to plan and set aside some time for intimacy, whether that means scheduling a date night or just carving out some time for cuddling on the couch.

Whatever you do, remember that there is no rush. You're both adjusting to a new life with a little one, and it takes time to find your new rhythm. Sex after delivery is all about trial and error, so just relax and enjoy!

There are two different scenarios-

Vaginal delivery- for those who have given birth through the vagina and have bruises and stitches after the delivery, you must abstain from sexual intercourse for at least six weeks. The period is longer as sex after delivery with stitches takes time to heal completely. If there is minimal wear and tear or you don't have any complications related to pregnancy, then you can continue sex within two weeks.

C-section delivery- if you had a caesarean section (C-section delivery), then it is advisable not to have sex for six weeks. This is because incisions and stitches take time to recover. People who underwent C-section deliveries were dilated before giving birth. That means if your cervix is still open, your uterus may be more susceptible to infections.

Summing up

Postpartum sex is not something that people talk about, but it is also not something that you should be ashamed of. Pregnancy and delivery have a huge impact on women’s hormones. Your sensitivity increases, and your body takes comparatively more time to heal. But in the end, you should decide when to start having sex again after giving birth.