When Can You Have Sex Postpartum? A Clear Guide

If you're a new mama, you may be wondering when it's safe to have sex again after giving birth. The answer to this question varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including how you gave birth, whether you experienced any complications, and how you're feeling physically and emotionally.

After giving birth, your body goes through a period of recovery known as the postpartum period. One of the most significant changes that occur during the postpartum period is the shedding of the uterine lining, which is commonly referred to as lochia. Lochia is a mixture of blood, mucus, and tissue that is discharged from the vagina after giving birth. Another change that occurs during the postpartum period is a decrease in hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. This hormonal shift can cause a variety of symptoms, including mood swings, fatigue, and vaginal dryness.

It's important to note that during the postpartum period, your body is still healing, and you may be at an increased risk of infection. It's essential to take care of yourself during this time by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activity.

If you’re looking for advice on how to rekindle postpartum intimacy, check out this article instead: Postpartum Intimacy: How to Rekindle Things After Having a Baby.

When can you have sex postpartum?

For women who had a vaginal birth without complications, it's generally safe to have sex again around six weeks after giving birth - and it’s recommended not to have sex before that 6-week mark when your doctor may give the all-clear at your 6-week check-up. However, if you had a complicated delivery (for example, experiencing a tear or episiotomy) or a C-section, your healthcare provider may recommend waiting longer.

It is important to note that vaginal bleeding and discharge may continue for several weeks after giving birth. This can increase the risk of infection, and it is recommended to wait until the bleeding has stopped before resuming sexual activity.

Finally, remember that every woman's body is different, and some may need more time to heal (physically and emotionally) before resuming sexual activity. Just because you can have sex, doesn’t mean you need to! Wait until you’re ready and have open communication with your partner about how you’re both feeling.

Read our tips on how to regain intimacy postpartum here.

How long is the healing process after childbirth?

After giving birth, your body goes through a healing process that can take several weeks or even months. The length of this process can depend on a variety of factors, including the type of delivery you had and any complications that may have arisen during childbirth.

One of the most important things you can do during this time is to take care of yourself. This means getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated. You should also avoid any strenuous physical activity until your doctor gives you the go-ahead (sex included!).

Hormonal Changes

In addition to the physical healing that needs to take place after childbirth, your body will also undergo significant hormonal changes. These changes can affect your mood, energy levels, and sex drive.

One of the most important hormones to be aware of is estrogen. This hormone helps to regulate your menstrual cycle and plays a key role in maintaining vaginal health. After giving birth, your estrogen levels will drop significantly, which can lead to vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex.

Another hormone to be aware of is prolactin. This hormone is responsible for stimulating milk production in the breasts. While prolactin levels are high, you may experience a decreased sex drive and difficulty achieving orgasm.

It's important to remember that these hormonal changes are normal and temporary. By around month 6, progesterone and estrogen should be back to pre-pregnancy levels but women who are breastfeeding may find that their hormones take a little longer to return to normal.

In the meantime, it's important to communicate with your partner about how you’re feeling.

Read more about The Postpartum Hormone Crash here.

Contraception Postpartum

When you’re breastfeeding, your body stops ovulating, making it nearly impossible for you to get pregnant. This is called LAM: Lactational Amenorrhea Method, and it’s about 98% effective at preventing pregnancy for the first 6 months after you give birth (or until you start your period again). 98% effective means that there is a chance of conceiving, and nursing women can get pregnant before their first period after birth, but it is very rare. This can benefit a lot of women who don’t want to worry about sorting out birth control methods after baby -- and because your body and hormones have changed, you may need to change what type of contraception you’re using anyway.

Breastfeeding only works to prevent pregnancy when you’re doing it full-time, so if you decide that you need to go back on birth control, talk to your doctor about a safe and effective option for you.

There are several options for contraception postpartum, including:

• Barrier methods, such as condoms or diaphragms

• Hormonal methods, such as birth control pills or injections

• Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or implants

Remember to take your time and communicate with your partner throughout the process of resuming sexual activity postpartum. It is important to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being during this time of transition.

Have a question for Baby2Body’s experts? Let us know in the comments!

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