There is no specific recommendation for how long you should wait to have sex after child birth. However, experts recommend that you wait for 6 weeks after childbirth to have sex. The delivery method is not an easy one.
There are complications associated with childbirth, and the complications are more prominent in the first 2 weeks after childbirth. This is why waiting would give your body time to heal and recover from the trauma experienced during pregnancy and delivery.
Also note that the body experiences postpartum discharges and vaginal tears, which might cause you to experience fatigue, vaginal dryness, pain in some places, and low sexual desires.
Source: UNC Collaborative for Maternal Infant Health CMIH
Hormones are important in postpartum recovery and resuming normal sexual activity. Estrogen levels drop to pre-pregnancy levels in the days following childbirth.
If you breastfeed, estrogen levels may fall below pre-pregnancy levels. Low estrogen levels help supply natural vaginal lubrication, so low estrogen levels increase the risk of vaginal dryness.
During sex, dry tissue can cause irritation and even bleeding. This raises your chances of contracting an infection. The muscles of the vaginal canal can be temporarily stretched during vaginal birth.
Time is required for these muscles to regain their strength and stability. You may need more time to recover if you had a perineal tear or episiotomy during vaginal birth. Having sex too soon can put you at risk of contracting an infection.
The vaginal sensation can be affected by cesarean delivery. The same hormonal issues can cause the vaginal tissues to become dry and thin, which can lead to painful sex.
You’ll also be recovering from abdominal surgery, so you’ll want to make sure the incision site is completely healed before getting back into bed.
In conclusion; sex after having a baby depends on you as a couple, it is a personal decision you make together. But you should consult your doctor if you both are not sure yet, tell them about any concerns you may have and let them guide you through.
