Sex after childbirth: when to resume

Now that the baby is here, the couple has become family. Everything changes, even intimate relationships. Now the question is when resuming normal sex? Most gynecologists recommend waiting a period of 6 weeks, but there are different physical and emotional factors that influence waiting. The important thing is that the woman giving birth to fully recover and that the couple overcomes this new stage with love and understanding .

After nine months of waiting, finally, the baby is here. His arrival will go realizing how right they were who were warning them that their lives would change completely. One of those changes is precisely the relationship, including when to resume sex. When is the right time to do?

After nine months of pregnancy and labor, the woman's body needs to recover. To this must be added the fatigue, energy expenditure involves continuously meet the newborn, hormonal changes and lack of sleep, especially during the first weeks.

Gynecologists recommend resume intimate relations after the end of the postpartum period (about six weeks after birth, or what is also known as puerperal or quarantine) . Why six weeks? Because this is the time required for:

• Unhealed points episiotomy (ie, the incision is practiced from the vagina to the anus or perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening so that the baby can more easily pass) in a vaginal delivery .

• If it was necessary caesarean section , it is necessary to heal the abdominal incision and the uterine lining.

• Cease normal vaginal bleeding postpartum which can take 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. Lochia is secretions containing blood, cervical mucus and remnants of placenta. These occur because after any birth, either a vaginal delivery or a cesarean delivery, the uterus begins to return to normal size and you need to remove the remains of pregnancy.

But there are other physical factors that decrease normal sexual appetite of women during the period of quarantine, including:

• Fatigue after pregnancy and childbirth

• The effort required baby care

• Changes in hormone levels that cause changes in mood

• Sore breasts for breastfeeding the baby

Physical factors are the most obvious kind, but they can add other emotional factors.  Feelings of anxiety, depression and anxiety, which are common after childbirth . The woman also may feel unattractive and insecure about the changes her body has gone through. In this respect, understanding partner is very important.

Dad, on the other hand, may feel displaced and even jealous of the child who has stolen his mother's unconditional attention before it was just for him. All these aspects, if they communicate with sincerity, will be overcome gradually, with patience and love.

And then, when you resume sex?

In the case of a vaginal delivery without complications, with the couple wait 40 to 45 days to resume intimate sex is usually sufficient. If the woman did not need an episiotomy , you may recover sooner and can resume sexual intercourse. In the case of a cesarean delivery, you should wait the full six weeks to completely heal the wound of the uterus wall.

As each woman and each pair are unique, some will decide to wait less or more as they become more prepared and relaxed feeling to the love affair. Anyway, should note that the first relationship after childbirth can be painful and annoying for women and even experience vaginal dryness. All this is normal and will disappear gradually.

Anyway, if despite performing the sexual act carefully and gently, she still feels discomfort and pain, you should consult your gynecologist. You may tear or episiotomy way sutured the cause and the solution is surgery. It should also monitor the vaginal discharge is normal. If you notice an unpleasant odor may indicate an infection and need to seek medical attention. And if he continues to blood loss (lochia) after a month, or suddenly starts losing more blood, must inform the doctor immediately.

Tips for couple

Communication between the two is crucial at this stage. It is desirable that their feelings, doubts and fears are expressed and solutions whether it be sore and not wanting to make love, or he feels displaced by the baby look. Here I give you some tips:

• Sexual relations are not confined to intercourse. If she feels uncomfortable or sore, the couple can show their feelings in other ways. The important thing is that love is expressed. Use your imagination! Dialogue, touch and let them show much affection.

• If there is vaginal dryness or perineal area is very sensitive, use a water - based lubricant .

• Experiment with positions that do not cause discomfort to the woman until she is fully recovered.

• Try to rest as much as they can as need for sex energies.

• Do not neglect neither balanced nor drink plenty of fluids, especially if she breastfeeds the baby food.

• Nor neglect protection if do not want another pregnancy; consult with the gynecologist.

The arrival of the Baby awaited clear! changes the interaction of the couple. But with understanding and love, the change will be to strengthen the relationship and to grow as a family. Take your time to resume intimate relationships and if she still feels excessive discomfort, not forget to meet with your doctor.