How soon after child birth can sex begin?

Hi It is supposed to be 6 weeks, and after your post natal...don't forget you will be very fertile...

I asked both my midwife and my GP the same question and the answer is "whenever you like". There is no set medical rule that says you must wait six weeks, even the official NHS medical advice states this and the advice given in different countries varies too (did you know in France that the recommended time is four weeks and that the state pays for you to have pelvic floor classes to retone your lady area?)

They both told me that it was up to me and once the post-birth bleeding had stopped I could do it as soon as I felt ready. My bleeding stopped at two weeks and we started having sex again at three weeks after delivery. I had a second degree tear but my stitches were healed and I felt ready to have sex again. We just took it slow with plenty of foreplay, you could also use a water-based lubricant if you wanted to.

Just take it slow, don't be afraid to stop or change position if you need to, and enjoy yourself. Make sure you use contraception too.

The advice on waiting six weeks is out-dated and while some doctors still advise their patients to do this the latest line of thinking is that it varies from woman to woman and is more a question of comfort and preference as to when sex can begin again. Once your lochia (post-birth) bleeding has stopped your risk of infection is no higher than someone who hasn't recently had a baby. One of the latest ideas is that it can be beneficial to have sex before your six week check as you can then discuss any problems you might have encountered with your doctor. It's all down to the individual woman though and there is no deadline for when she has to have sex by.

I've attached some links that you might find interesting and if you're in any doubt then speak to your GP or midwife.

Whenever you're ready. I had sex 2 days after giving birth. And I had an episiotomy! There is no right or wrong answer, some say wait til after your 6 week checkup but you don't have to. Many women choose to try earlier, so they can raise any problems at the checkup.

You are EXTREMELY fertile after giving birth, how ironic! So you need contraception straight away. Breastfeeding exclusively can be 98% effective but it's no guarantee.

I would say after your 6 week check.

That is whenever I have resumed sex again - even though I know how hard it can be ;)

You then know that everything is ok and you have "all systems" go from the doctor.

I have heard of some people having sex before but I would not even dream of this.

If your fella loves you then he will wait for you to be happy and healthy and have a full check from the doctor before you resume.

Lots of luck.

You should wait anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Although in our hospital, people have actually been caught having sex within hours after the birth.

I know it's hard but i would really reccomend the 6wks the doctor normally tells you. I had sex at 5 weeks PP and even regreted it then and I had no tearing. I just felt very uncomfortable afterwards. Everyone is different and I've heard of people having sex earlier with no soreness but I wouldn't chance it.

You are supposed to wait a minimum of 4-6 weeks just to let thing heal down there. I waited 2 months.

I would wait the six weeks - it's because your cervix will still be open and so your womb can get infected.

Also, when you do feel ready, have some lubricant ready - I was dry and it put me off for AGES!

Usually six weeks...depending on how the birth was.

your supposed to wait 6 weeks, but i know plenty of people who don't wait that long!