Postpartum Sex Tips

In general, healthcare providers recommend waiting at least six weeks after vaginal delivery before having sex. During the six-week postpartum period, your body is healing from the delivery and your uterus is returning to its pre-pregnancy size. Having sex too soon after delivery can increase the risk of infection and may cause discomfort or pain. If you had a cesarean delivery or experienced any complications during delivery, your healthcare provider may recommend waiting longer than six weeks before having sex. They will also advise you on any precautions you should take to reduce the risk of complications, such as using contraception to prevent pregnancy. Here are our top 5 tips on how to approach postpartum sex.

1. Medical Clearance For Sex

As mentioned above, make sure you are medically cleared to have sex again.

2. Use Birth Control Postpartum

Family planning and having a form of birth control figured out is very important. Getting pregnant too quickly after giving birth can increase the risk of various health complications for both the mother and the baby. There is an increased risk of delivering the baby prematurely, which can lead to various health complications for the baby.

There are also risks for the mom. Pregnancy soon after giving birth can put a strain on the uterus, increasing the risk of uterine rupture, which is a rare but serious complication that can cause heavy bleeding and require emergency medical attention. Finally, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can take a toll on the mother’s physical and emotional health, and getting pregnant too soon after giving birth can exacerbate these strains. For these reasons, healthcare providers generally recommend waiting at least 18 to 24 months after giving birth before getting pregnant again. So, be sure to either have your partner use a condom, or you can use hormonal birth control to prevent a pregnancy.

3. Lubricate, Lubricate, Lubricate!

The hormonal changes that occur during breastfeeding can lead to a decrease in estrogen levels, which can cause vaginal dryness and other symptoms such as itching, burning, and postpartum sex pain. Estrogen plays an important role in maintaining vaginal health by keeping the vaginal lining moist and elastic. When estrogen levels decrease, the vaginal lining may become thinner and less elastic, leading to dryness and discomfort. Using a lubricant can help a lot with this and can make sex more enjoyable.

4. Manage Stress

Having a newborn is a stressful experience. In order to fully enjoy sex, you also need to manage your mind. Be sure that you have someone who you trust that can watch your child while you have some alone time with your partner. Try to get in the mood by winding down and using deep breathing techniques to relax. Your partner may be able to give you a back massage to help you relax and ease any tensionl

5. Communicate With Your Partner

Each couple should go at their own pace. Just because the doctor says you can have sex after 6 weeks, it doesnt mean you have to. Having open communication with your partner on having sex after a baby is important. There may be other sexual activities you both can enjoy before moving towards vaginal sex. Making time for communication and intimacy is especially important with a newborn around, since it makes it very difficult to focus on your romantic relationship in this postpartum phase.

Postpartum Sex Tips: Summary

Wait at least 6 weeks before having sex with your partner and be sure that you have been given the go ahead by your Ob Gyn or medical doctor. Be prepared by having a form of birth control on board. This is important because becoming pregnant within a few months of having birth is dangerous for both mom and potentially the future child. In breastfeeding moms, lubrication can be a problem so be sure to have a great lubricant. Desire can also be an issue which can be a result of not just hormonal changes but also lack of sleep and privacy. Finally, do your best to find time to communicate about your sex life with your partner. You both can come up with a plan that will help you to become sexually active again after having a baby.

We discuss products we think are useful to people. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Remember to check with your personal physician to see if a product recommended is right for you.