Sex After Child Birth: How Long to Wait and Why?

As your body heals from childbirth, the topic of sex may come up. Before you head back to the bedroom, here's some important information you should know to protect yourself.

In this article:

• How long should you wait to have sex after child birth?
• What are the risks of having sex too soon?
• Recommendations to help your body heal back into it's pre-pregnancy form?

How long should you wait to have sex after child birth?

Is this a safe space? Let's call a spade a spade. Third trimester sex can be uncomfortable and begin to dwindle down for a number of different reasons: frequent urination, hormone changes, body dysmorphia thoughts start to creep in, feeling baby move around while in the moment, few comfortable positions, and the list could go on.

No matter what your reason is for the dip in sex during your third trimester, it seems like those feelings come rushing back two to three weeks after giving birth.

Though there's no definitive set time, there's a reason why doctors recommend waiting to have sex until four to six weeks following child birth (via vaginal delivery.)

During postpartum, your body is actively working to regulate hormones, shrink the uterus back into its natural size and positioning, contract the cervix back into it's closed state, and regulate your libido after birth.

Returning to sex too soon before your body properly heals could result in complications: hemorrhaging, infection, vaginal sensitivity, and more.

What are the risks of having sex too soon?

Depending on the type of delivery you had, vaginal or by caesarean, your vaginal tissue can be thinner and more sensitive than before child birth.

Some common issues women face after child birth are:

• Vaginal dryness
• Thin vaginal tissue
• Bleeding
• Pain
• Discomfort
• Fatigue
• Low Libido
• Loss of elasticity in vaginal muscles
• Tearing or postpartum hemorrhaging

Whether you're recovering from vaginal delivery or abdominal surgery (a caesarean), giving your body time to recover fully before diving back into the natural swing of sex can be very beneficial.

You don't want to risk vaginal irritation, infection or tearing from childbirth stitches... this would make your recovery process even longer.

Consider this--You're adjusting to new life, new schedules, sleep deprivation (lack of sleep), and new daily routines. Aside from vaginal risks, having sex too soon can also increase your chances for another pregnancy.

Can you get pregnant right after giving birth?

Yes. Your body is still very vulnerable and delicate during the first six to eight weeks after birth. In fact, you have a greater chance of getting pregnant when you resume sex too soon.

Can you get pregnant right after giving birth?

Yes. Your body is still very vulnerable and delicate during the first six to eight weeks after birth. In fact, you have a greater chance of getting pregnant when you resume sex too soon.

All in all, there's no scientific date on how soon is too soon to begin intimacy with your partner after child birth, but do you do want to consider healing properly to avoid complications from the birth.

Recommendations to help your body heal back into it's pre-pregnancy form?

Healing from child birth can feel like a marathon but if you truly get mentally prepared to have AT LEAST 6 weeks of recovery, you'll feel better about the length of time it's taking.

Some excellent recommendations I have for post-pregnancy support and recovery are:

Each of these items combined will help support your throughout your most delicate postpartum stage, belly binding to help support your abdominal muscles after child birth and then finally, when you begin waist training to help reduce any unwanted belly and back fat.