Right off the bat, we're going to come out and say it: there is no right or wrong answer here. But if you're wondering when it's recommended to start having sex again after giving birth, let's get into it.
Having sex after your pregnancy for the first time can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be." Here's some tips on how to approach it." You might need some extra time to get to know one another again. That being said, some couples are keen to get going immediately, "Let's just say that when my first babe was just 3 months we conceived our second," says mom of 3, Cindy Alfino. She felt good and as a couple, they were ready (they were also lucky that nothing - except a surprise pregnancy! - went wrong.)
In the case of a normal, routine pregnancy and birth - no matter the type of birth - most women will be told to hold off from having sex until after their first check-up at 6 weeks after giving birth. There are good, solid, medical reasons for this. During birth, the cervix softens and opens. There's usually bleeding for at least several months, as the uterine lining is shed. Sometimes there's tearing or an episiotomy, not to mention how tired most women are in the days and weeks following birth. Having sex too early can result in postpartum bleeding and even uterine infections. So it's generally better to steer clear until you get the go-ahead from your doctor!
So, you know when they say that things are different after having a baby? Well, they weren't just talking about your sleep levels. There are quite a few things women experience in the weeks and months following birth. Let's take a look:
Look, sometimes you might be keen but your body says otherwise, and that's OK. Try these tips:
If there's one thing you remember from this post, it's that there's no right or wrong time. If you're not in the mood, you don't owe it to anyone to have sex. Sex needs to be wanted by both parties so feel free to wait until you're good and ready. Who knows, the anticipation may be the added spice you needed!