Sex & Intimacy After Delivery
Sex &
Intimacy
After
Delivery

The decision to start having sex again after giving birth is very personal. Here are a few rules of thumb for deciding what’s right for you and your body.
A Personal Decision
Some new parents want to resume having sex or being intimate very quickly, while others are not interested for several months. Both of these decisions are completely normal! While there are some guidelines, the most important thing is that you listen to your body.
After delivery, it is recommended you wait to have sex for six weeks or until you get approval from your doctor at your postpartum appointment.
You can have sex when you:
- Have stopped bleeding.
- Do not have pain in or around your vagina, bottom, or belly.
- Are pain-free around any incisions if you had a C-section or tubal ligation.
- Are in the mood!
It’s perfectly all right to adjust your sex life as your body changes and recovers.
How will sex be different after delivery?
TIP FOR PARENTS
Remember that sex should not hurt, and there are ways to be intimate with your partner other than vaginal intercourse.
Additional Reading
Family Planning After Giving Birth
Things to consider about sex, pregnancy, and birth control after you’ve had a baby.
READ MORE 
Caring for Yourself
When you have a newborn, it can be easy to forget to look after your own needs.
READ MORE 
Healthy Partner After Birth
How to be a positive and supportive partner while caring for yourself as well.