WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

When Can You Have Sex After Giving Birth?

Newborn
Post-delivery time
When Can You Have Sex After Giving Birth?
Congratulations on the arrival of your bundle of joy!
As a new mother, you may have questions about when it is safe to resume sexual activity after giving birth.
It's important to remember that every woman's body is unique, and the timeline for resuming sexual intercourse can vary. However, this comprehensive guide will provide you with valuable information to help you make an informed decision.
The Healing Process
After giving birth, your body goes through a healing process. Vaginal deliveries typically require a longer healing time compared to cesarean sections.
On average, it is recommended to wait at least six weeks before engaging in sexual intercourse.
This period allows your body to recover from childbirth and for any tears or incisions to heal properly.
However, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider for an individualized assessment based on your specific circumstances.
Physical and Emotional Readiness
Apart from the healing process, it's crucial to consider your physical and emotional readiness for sexual activity.
Giving birth can be physically exhausting, and your body may still be adjusting to hormonal changes.
Additionally, sleep deprivation and the demands of caring for a newborn can impact your energy levels and overall well-being.
It's important to listen to your body and give yourself time to recover before engaging in sexual activity.
Emotionally, you and your partner may need to reestablish intimacy and connection before feeling ready for intercourse.
Communication and Lubrication
Open and honest communication with your partner is vital during this time. Discuss your feelings, fears, and any concerns you may have.
Remember that both of you are adjusting to parenthood, and it's important to be patient with one another.
Furthermore, breastfeeding can affect estrogen levels, leading to vaginal dryness.
Using a water-based lubricant can help alleviate discomfort and enhance pleasure during intercourse.
Remember to choose a lubricant that is safe for use with condoms if you are practicing contraception.
Contraception and Postpartum Checkup
If you're not planning to have another baby right away, it's crucial to consider contraception options.
While breastfeeding can provide some natural contraception, it is not foolproof, and ovulation can occur even before the return of your menstrual cycle.
Talk to your healthcare provider about suitable contraceptive methods for your postpartum phase.
Additionally, scheduling a postpartum checkup with your healthcare provider is essential to ensure your body has healed adequately and to address any concerns you may have regarding sexual activity or other aspects of your postpartum recovery.
Keep reading
Postpartum Sex: Take Your Time
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Body Image and Self-Care during Postpartum
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Linda Hutson
Sex Therapist
R
Rickie
1 Oct 2023

How long after vaginal birth did yall actually wait to have sex?… When do the stitches fully dissolve?

Newborn Post-delivery time
4 comments
D
Dee
I tore with my first , it took 6 weeks to fully heal.
27 Mar 2024

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P
Poohdah
Listen Listen I been wanting to give in😂 but with my first child I waited the whole 6wks... this waiting shit irritating me😂
27 Mar 2024

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M
Melanie 💗
27 May 2023

hey y'all i had my baby!!! 💖 quick question tho when can you shower after giving birth?

Newborn Post-delivery time
4 comments
M
Megan
I had a vaginal birth and showered the following day because I was too exhausted the first day, I don’t think there’s a time limit 😊
27 Mar 2024

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Melanie 💗
oh okay i also had a vaginal birth and wanna shower but didn't know if i can so i wanted to see if anybody would help me out with that
27 Mar 2024

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C
Cryss
11 Feb 2023

I’m So scared to have sex without the approval of my doc at my 6 week appointment 😩and this is baby number 2 🤦🏾‍♀️ Did y’all wait for the 6weeks for your Docs approval ? and if y’all didn’t how early did y’all start having sex again after giving birth ?

Newborn Post-delivery time
4 comments
S
Samantha
It’s okay so was I. Even when I was given the okay 👌
27 Mar 2024

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E
Elsa Alexander
I waited 4 weeks. It seemed like my sex drive was over the top so I couldn't wait any longer than that lol. But at 6 weeks appointment got checked and everything was good. I am healed nicely. I just say take it slow and use lube if needed.
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
21 Jan 2023

After giving birth, when did you all get your period. My daughter is 7 weeks old, and I still have not gotten it yet. I am not breastfeeding.

Newborn Post-delivery time
4 comments
G
Glenda
I just started mine on Sunday 8 weeks pp and it’s been horrible!!! I’m not breastfeeding either but I had the Nexplanon inserted 2 weeks before
27 Mar 2024

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C
Christeena
I still haven’t gotten mine and it’ll be 9 weeks on Wednesday since I had my baby.
27 Mar 2024

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N
Natalie
1 Dec 2022

When did y’all start having sex again after giving birth? (With stiches) I feel like I’m not ready but also feel ready I’m nervous. Trying to learn to feel myself with this new version of my body.

Newborn Post-delivery time
1 comments
S
Samantha
We tried at 6.5 weeks and I was uncomfortable, so again at 7.5 weeks and it was good then! 😂
27 Mar 2024

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B
Becca
3 Nov 2022

Questions mamas, when did you get your period after giving birth? It’s been 2 months and I still haven’t started yet..

Newborn Post-delivery time
11 comments
t
tierney
I got mine before my son was 8 weeks. They say breastfeeding will delay it after birth but I've gotten mine back super quick after both my boys. 🤷🏽‍♀️ But I know people who went 6+ months without getting theirs back
27 Mar 2024

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J
Janilee
I went probably between 10-12 weeks before I got mine back. My boy was bottlefed💕
27 Mar 2024

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T
Traci
3 Sep 2022

When did you all have sex after birth, did you wait the full 6 weeks? #postpartumsex

Newborn Post-delivery time
6 comments
v
valerie
Well you’ll have your period right after birth so pretty much the whole 6 weeks you cannot have sex. 🥴😩
27 Mar 2024

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T
Traci
Yea I had him on the 8th of August I’m not bleeding anymore I’ll have my 6 weeks in two weeks.. I want to try it before the 6 weeks 🫤🫠
27 Mar 2024

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C
Chastity
20 Aug 2022

When did everyone wait til have sex till after birth I'm on my 3rd kid and had sex last night I'll be 1 month post partum on the 24th

Newborn Post-delivery time
4 comments
J
Julianna
Shooot honestly me and my husband couldnt get past the first week lmao
27 Mar 2024

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C
Chastity
I freak myself out over everything lol then I googled post partum hemorrhage lol
27 Mar 2024

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n
naomi
7 Aug 2022

When did you all get your period after giving birth? 5 weeks PP & I feel like I’m about to start mine 🥲 not looking forward to it

Newborn Post-delivery time
10 comments
K
Kait
I’m 6 weeks PP & I exclusively pump, and haven’t gotten one either. 😬
27 Mar 2024

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E
Emily
Almost 8 weeks
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dorothy
26 Jul 2022

How long did you wait until you had sex after child birth. So I had vaginal birth no tearing, not bleeding a lot and I feel fine when is the right time to start having intercourse again?

Newborn Post-delivery time
4 comments
S
Shellie
I had a vaginal delivery with a first degree tear. However I had absolutely no pain.I felt 100% normal the next day and my hormones where raging. However I was worried about infection. I waited about 4 weeks.
27 Mar 2024

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m
melany
the recommended time is 6 weeks ☺️ or when you have the ok from ur doctor
27 Mar 2024

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