Pregnancy and childbirth can bring about several hormonal, physical, and psychological changes in women. Childbirth can bring significant changes in a couple's life and their relationship, there might be several areas where the couple may feel a stronger bond and a deeper connection. But one aspect that may take a backseat is the sex life of the couple. The recommended period of abstinence after delivery is generally four to six weeks to allow proper healing of the new mother’s day following a delivery irrespective of vaginal (normal) or cesarean section. 

So, if you are planning to resume sex after the childbirth abstinence, here are a few points that you need to take into consideration which include:

  • What are the changes in a woman’s libido following childbirth?
  • When is it safe to resume sex after childbirth?
  • How to resume sex after childbirth?
  • How would sex feel after delivery?

Changes in a woman’s libido following childbirth

There is a significant dip in a woman’s libido after childbirth. This can be due to various reasons including:

  • Hormonal changes during pregnancy 
  • Breastfeeding
  • Exhaustion and tiredness caused during delivery
  • The type of delivery (cesarean or normal delivery)
  • Blood loss and other risk factors during delivery
  • The changing body issues after pregnancy and delivery leading to altered self esteem
  • Lack of support system in sharing baby responsibilities

When is it safe to resume sex after childbirth?

The recommended period of abstinence after delivery is generally four to six weeks to allow proper healing of the new mother’s day following a delivery irrespective of vaginal (normal) or cesarean section. But, there is no hard and fast rule for an abstinence period that determines when the couple can resume sex. During the postnatal check-up if the doctor deems everything is normal and gives a go ahead to resume sex and if the new mother feels comfortable and confident to resume sex, the couple can try engaging in sexual activities accordingly.

How to resume sex after childbirth?

  • Get an ok and assurance from your medical expert to resume sexual activities
  • Discuss contraceptive options
  • Take a warm bath to relax your body
  • Use lubricants to ease the pain and vaginal dryness
  • Focus on intimacy to strengthen the bond between. Intimacy need not include only sex, rekindle the romance by doing activities that are pleasurable such hugging, hand-holding, lunch or dinner dates and massage sessions, etc
  • Always communicate about what’s painful or pleasurable and what you are ready for and what you are not

How would sex feel after delivery?

The various causes discussed above, that affect a woman’s libido following childbirth, are also the same reasons that may cause sex to feel somewhat or completely different from before pregnancy. The intercourse may or may not be as comfortable and pleasurable. It is important for the couple to avoid hurrying into sex with full expectations. It is always recommended that they ease into sexual activities to understand and work around the problems. 

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