Pregnancy & Birth

Sex During and After Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

Author by Raazi
Reviewed By Raazi
Last Edited : January 1, 1970

Are you wondering how pregnancy and sex go together? Or maybe you’re a new mom wondering when it’s safe to resume sexual activity after giving birth. Pregnancy and sex can be confusing topics, but it’s important to talk about them openly and honestly.

Many women have questions about sex during and after pregnancy, and it’s perfectly normal to have concerns.

The baby is safely protected by the amniotic sac and uterus, making sex during pregnancy generally safe.
Pregnancy can enhance blood flow to the pelvic region, increasing sensitivity and sometimes intensifying sexual pleasure.
Some women experience a boost in libido during the second trimester due to hormonal surges and improved energy levels.
It’s normal for sexual desire to fluctuate throughout pregnancy due to physical and emotional changes.
Postpartum sexual readiness can vary greatly, with some women feeling ready within weeks and others taking months.
Breastfeeding can suppress estrogen levels, leading to vaginal dryness that may affect postpartum intimacy.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about pregnancy and sex, including its common concerns, tips for staying comfortable and safe, and ways to strengthen intimacy with your partner.

Is it Safe to Have Sex during Pregnancy?

The pelvic floor plays a significant role in sexual function. It protects the uterus and the vagina and provides support to the urethra and bladder. A healthy pelvic floor can facilitate sex and make it more enjoyable.

Having sex during conception is pretty safe. Many women and their partners show concern about the well-being of their unborn children. They believe that having sex could be detrimental. That is untrue. If everything is running smoothly, you can pursue sex until the time of delivery.

Tips for Staying Comfortable during Pregnancy Sex

Positions during sex matter the most. If you are doing sex during pregnancy, avoid certain postures. For example, avoid lying on your back with your partner on your top. It does not appear safe and pleasant later in pregnancy. You should prefer lying on your side and your back on each other. Both appear safe.

You can find further recommendations for cozy postures in books and publications, or you can come up with creating your own.

Don’ts of Sex during Pregnancy

There are certain conditions where it is not advisable to continue having sex during pregnancy. A few include;

Spotting or intense bleeding
Gone into premature labor
Your waters have been broken. This means your baby is no longer protected.

On the safe side, consult with your doctor before taking up sex at any stage during conception.

When to Get Back to Sex After Delivery?

Pursuing sex after a baby’s birth is largely a decision. It is based on how you and your partner are feeling after the birth of your child, as well as guidelines provided by the physician. There is no defined time to resume sex after delivery. However, consider the following factors when deciding if you are ready;

The recommendation provided to you by your healthcare expert.

How exhausted do you feel after having sex? Like how your body perceives sex.

If you are facing any soreness, wait till it goes away before attempting sex. If it continues, seek help from the doctor.

Because of vaginal dryness, you might need to use some lubricants for the initial weeks of sex after delivery. Hormones produced during lactation also inhibit the lubrication, so the lubricant’s use is advised.

If you underwent cesarean section or had stitches after giving birth, then wait for some time till the sutures heal and the suture line gets less sensitive.

How much do you enjoy having sex when you get used to having a baby?

Ask your spouse how he feels about resuming sex. It is crucial to inform him about the body adjustments you are making, out your partner’s thoughts about picking up the sex. It’s crucial to inform your partner about the adjustments you are making, so he could be supportive during the sex.

Should Sutures Hurt During Sex or After Giving Birth?

During delivery, vaginal perforations are pretty common. They can be a tear in the muscle, skin, or skin around the perineum and vagina. Sutures are used to close these incisions and tears in the skin and tissues after childbirth.

They usually dissolve over one to three weeks after giving birth and drop out. It is very normal to feel uneasy initially, but the pain should not last for a long time.

Moreover, it is common to experience some discomfort or pain around the area where the sutures are placed. It is not normal for them to cause pain during sex or after giving birth

Strategies to Heal Stitches

Sutures heal faster by doing regular pelvic floor exercises. These exercises do not put any pressure on sutures. Stitches show that your perineum area is very swollen and bruised, so you can do the following measures to help your stitches heal;

For the initial 72 hours, use ice pads to minimize swelling. Request your midwife to supply some ice packs from the hospital to your home.
Avoid placing ice packs directly on the skin and leave them in space for at least 20 minutes.
Pelvic health physiotherapists can use ultrasound to reduce edema and soreness around stitches.
If the perineal scar is still sore after the sutures have cured, massage it gently. You can learn more from your pelvic health expert.

Takeaway

Certainly, sex during and after pregnancy appears to be a fulfilling and intimate experience. It’s still important to be aware of the pain and discomfort, especially during the healing process after childbirth. If you are experiencing pain during sex after pregnancy, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider.

By prioritizing communication, patience, and self-care, you can navigate the changes that come with pregnancy and sex, and continue to enjoy a healthy and satisfying sex life.