Chat with AHA!

Chat with AHA!

Hi! Ask Healthshots Anything

Get AI-powered answers
to all your health
related
queries!

Chat with AHA!
Feminine Hygiene Menstruation Sexual Health Chat Now

We got a gynaecologist to answer all your questions about having sex after pregnancy

Too many questions floating in your head about having sex after pregnancy? Worry not, we’ve got all the answers for you!
sex after pregnancy
Hear what this gynaecologist has to say about sex after pregnancy. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Shreya Gupta Published: 2 Sep 2020, 12:00 pm IST
  • 88

If you thought nine months of pregnancy was the ultimate roller coaster ride of emotions, brace yourself for more! Most first-time mothers are unaware that the body goes through a hell lot of changes after the baby is delivered. And just like it isn’t easy to snap back to your previous lifestyle after childbirth, it will also take some time to enjoy pleasurable sex after pregnancy!

We know you have loads of burning queries on this subject, which is why we’ve got Dr. Sandeep Chadha, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Motherhood Hospital, Noida, to answer them all for you!

How soon can you have sex after childbirth?
Whether you’ve undergone a C-section or normal delivery, Dr. Chadha suggests you wait for six weeks before indulging in sexual intercourse. After all, your body needs time to heal after delivery! He also recommends seeing a gynaecologist to ensure that the incision is healing well, and postpartum bleeding has stopped.

Also, read: It’s time to reclaim your pre-pregnancy body! Experts reveal 7 ways to do so

“Following the delivery, your body enters a healing phase when the bleeding stops, tears heal, and the cervix closes. Having intercourse too early, especially within the first 2 weeks, increases the risk of postpartum haemorrhage or uterine infection,” adds Dr. Chadha.

new mom struggles
Pregnancy can be overwhelming. So give your body the time it needs. GIF courtesy: Giphy

What changes can you expect in your sex life?
You might think post-pregnancy equals zero sex, but that’s definitely not true! Just that, it might take some time to spice up things in the bedroom. Until then, it’s best to stay mentally prepared and deal with the following changes:

1. Your breasts will feel tender, which can cause discomfort during sex.
2. After a normal delivery, your vagina tears off and needs time to heal. Don’t get disappointed, but sex might not feel the way it would before arrival of your baby!
3. You might suffer from body image issues and feel unattractive due to severe postpartum stress and weight gain.
4. If this is your first pregnancy, you might feel even more exhausted and fatigued during intercourse.

While these insecurities make you feel down and out, don’t forget to be proud of yourself for bringing a child into this world!

AHA - Ask Healthshots Anything
AHA - Ask Healthshots Anything An AI-powered chatbot to answer all your health-related queries Chat Now

What should you do to ensure a healthy and pleasurable sex life?
While sex after pregnancy is different, it doesn’t have to be awful. Dr Chadha says, “Have an open conversation with your partner about what makes you feel good and what doesn’t. This will help you enjoy sex again and make sure you are not experiencing any unnecessary pain.”

Also, read: 5 things every new mother needs to know about her first period post pregnancy

Here’s all that you can do:

1. Take it slow: In the first few weeks post-delivery, your body might not be ready for all that steamy action. Give yourself some time and space, and take things one day at a time!
2. Engage in more foreplay: Before the intercourse, give your vagina the time to produce its own natural lubrication. Longer foreplay means less pain!
3. Don’t hesitate to use lubes: You might need some help with lubrication, as your hormones are still not in order. While buying lubes, look for a water-based option, as the oil-based ones can damage condoms and irritate your sensitive tissue.

lubes
Lubes can make your sexual experience painless and more pleasurable. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

4. Make Kegel exercises your best friend: Kegel exercises can be extremely beneficial, especially during the postpartum recovery phase. It helps to rebuild pelvic floor muscles, and can aid in relieving post-delivery issues like urinary incontinence. All in all, these exercises will help in regaining strength and sensation in the vagina, making sex more pleasurable!

Contrary to what you might think, having kids does not equal zero sex. Slowly and steadily, things will heat up in the bedroom again – it’s only a matter of time!

  • 88
About the Author

Finding nirvana in good food, Shreya also loves reading books and is a die-hard Potterhead. Confident and motivated she's fun to be with. Plus food. Always. ...Read More

Next Story