Birth

Sexual Intercourse after Delivery

Once the baby is born, some women need time to regain interest in sexual relations, and traditionally couples have been advised not to engage in coitus for at least six weeks after delivery. However, recent research indicates that such general rules are not really helpful and that each case should be judged individually. Very often sexual intercourse can take place much sooner without any harm to the mother. Indeed, from a purely medical standpoint coitus can be resumed as soon as vaginal bleeding has stopped and any tears or incisions in the vaginal area have healed. A slight brownish discharge from the vagina can be disregarded.
Full communication (including sexual communication) between parents, is of course, also in the interest of the newborn child. Still, during this period the woman's personal feelings and desires should be considered first.