I’m a gynaecologist and this is how long you should wait to have sex after giving birth

While some women find it easy to get back to old routines after giving birth, others find it quite challenging.

And when it comes to getting back into activities like intercourse, listening to expert advice is best practice.

A doctor has revealed exactly how long you should wait to have sex after giving birth, especially if you want to avoid pregnancy.

Dr. Shazia Malik, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Portland Hospital in London, tells FEMAIL that women can conceive within three weeks of giving birth.

She recommended that women wait until all postpartum bleeding has stopped, which can typically take about three to four weeks.

Dr. Shazia explained, “When a woman can resume intercourse after giving birth, it depends on several factors, such as the type of birth, complications and recovery.

‘Although there are no hard and fast rules – after a vaginal delivery, you have to wait for the postpartum bleeding (lochia) to stop.

This usually takes about three to four weeks. However, it is important to note that everyone’s recovery is unique.

“Some people need more time to feel comfortable with sexual activity again.”

For moms who aren’t ready to conceive another child, the expert says it’s important to consider contraception if they’re having sex after giving birth.

She warns moms to dispel old myths that say breastfeeding and delayed periods can protect against pregnancy because they just aren’t true.

She added: ‘It’s important to consider contraception if you want to avoid pregnancy, as you can get pregnant as early as three weeks after birth.

“For most couples, they won’t be ready for another baby anytime soon.

“So discussing your birth control needs and choices and getting birth control can help you enjoy sex without worry.”

Dr. Shazia recommends that couples wait at least 12 months before having another baby, especially if the mother has had a C-section.

However, there are other factors to consider before having sex again, such as body injuries and infections.

The doctor says that having sex within two weeks of giving birth can increase a mother’s chance of infection or bleeding, so it’s advisable to wait.

“If you’ve had a tear or episiotomy and need stitches, it takes at least four to six weeks to heal properly,” Dr Shazia said.

“So it’s best to wait until you’re fully healed to avoid pain or infection.”

An episiotomy is a cut made by a medical professional near the vaginal opening to leave enough space for a baby to be born.

She added: “In the case of cesarean section (caesarean section), women should wait for the wound to heal completely.

‘It usually takes about six weeks. It’s important to talk to your midwife or healthcare provider to make sure you’re ready and able to address any specific concerns.”

“Your six-week postnatal checkup is a great opportunity to get examined and get everything clear to resume your sex life and make sure you’re using birth control.”

Aside from the physiological changes that occur after the birth of a child, Dr. Shazia reminds women that sex should be enjoyable and that it can take a while to get “in the mood.”

‘The hormonal changes that occur after childbirth are enormous,’ says the expert.

“This can make you feel vaginally dry or sore — so taking your time, using lube, and feeling ready are crucial to making sure sex is comfortable and enjoyable.”

“Breastfeeding, in particular, pushes your estrogen levels further up, so using lube can be very helpful.

“Plus, it takes time to recover from childbirth no matter how you give birth, and in addition to sleep deprivation, you may not be in the mood for a while.”

She adds that there is “no normal” for women and waiting until you are physically and emotionally ready is key to a vibrant sex life.

Dr. Shazia said: ‘Every woman is different, so it’s important to see a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your health, recovery and any specific circumstances’.