Sex after pregnancy

You've just delivered a baby. Is it safe to have sex? Will it hurt? Here are answers to common questions about sex after pregnancy.

Advice on sex after pregnancy

When can I start?

Most women start sexual intercourse only a month to six weeks after giving birth. However, it is fine to engage in it at any point as long as your stitches have healed and you feel up to it.

Will it hurt?

Your vagina may be dry and tender, especially if you’re breast-feeding. If vaginal dryness is a problem, use a lubricating cream or gel like KY Jelly. You might also have tenderness in the area where you had stitches. If that’s the case, go slow and if you are concerned about the amunt of pain you feel during sex, do consult your doctor

What happened to my sex drive?

Most women aren’t keen about sex for the first few weeks after delivery because of exhaustion. If the delivery was long or difficult, the woman may also feel anxious about getting pregnant again. Generally, women start getting their desire back within a couple of months of having a baby. But given the realities and stresses of early parenthood, it can take up to a year for a couple’s normal sex life to return in full bloom.

Related: Bust stress as a couple

What can I do to boost my sex drive?

Taking good care of yourself can go a long way toward keeping passion alive. So eat healthy foods, and drink plenty of fluids. Include physical activity in your daily routine. Hire that babysitter for those couple of hours so that you can rest as much as you can or have some alone “me” time.

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Written by

Sandra Ong

Pregnancysexpainsex after pregnancy