Postnatal sex

Every woman is different and you may find it is a while before you feel ready for sex again especially if you had a difficult or assisted delivery, or a cesarean.

The usual approach is to wait until you get the all-clear from your OB-GYN or nurse-midwife at your six-week postpartum check – in any case, it’s unlikely you’ll feel in the mood before that and some women may take months for their desire to return to normal again.

Don’t feel pressured to have sex by your partner – make sure you communicate and let him know exactly how you feel. Pregnancy and childbirth are punishing processes for your body and their effects should not be underestimated. Even if you’re physically fine the emotional changes of adapting to life as a mom, not to mention the exhaustion of looking after a newborn, mean sex is bottom of your list of priorities for some time to come. Don’t push yourself – you’ll be ready in time.

While breastfeeding does offer some protection against pregnancy, be aware that you can fall pregnant again at this time. It’s advisable to give your body a recovery period before getting pregnant again, so if you do start having sex soon after giving birth make sure you have discussed your contraception needs with your physician.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.