Sexual Intimacy: Pregnancy and Postpartum
Conflicting information and interest levels often cause confusion as to what is or is not advisable for a couple’s sexual relations during the pregnancy and postpartum periods. The following information is offered to clarify misinformation, and for the couple’s consideration.
DURING PREGNANCY-Reasons to abstain from or to delay sexual intimacy:
- Sexual intimacy may be prohibited due to an obstetrical problem such as threatened premature labor, vaginal bleeding, placenta previa or in the case of incompetent cervix with cerclage. Ask your physician to clarify what is forbidden. Orgasm may be prohibited because, however it is achieved, it causes the release of hormones which stimulate uterine contractions. Semen may be contraindicated in the vagina because semen contains prostaglandins which are hormones that stimulate labor.
- Emotional or physical fatigue or discomfort may temporarily delay sexual intimacy. This requires open and continuing communication between the partners, and creativity when usual methods of lovemaking are no longer practical.
- The possibility of infection, as when the amniotic membranes have ruptured, may contraindicate sexual intercourse.
POSTPARTUM-Reasons to abstain from or to delay sexual intimacy:
- The possibility of infection until the placental site heals usually dictates abstinence from conventional intercourse. The placental site is considered healed when the lochia (bloody vaginal discharge after birth) has ceased, approximately 3 to 4 weeks after birth. There is also a possibility of infection to the episiotomy site until it has healed, although only for a few days to a week after the birth.
- Pain from the episiotomy site or vaginal repairs dictate caution and gentleness when resuming intercourse. Also, the Bartholin’s glands in the vagina have temporarily decreased their production of vaginal lubricant requiring an artificial source of lubrication for intercourse such as water soluble K-Y Jelly (no Vaseline!) or the use of a condom with contraceptive foam.
- There may be pain from unrepaired vaginal lacerations. There may be minor lacerations in the vaginal vault left unrepaired due to the possibility of increased trauma to the vaginal tissues from the repair. These tears will heal by themselves but, again, dictate caution and gentleness.
- Fatigue may make a partner unwilling to engage in intercourse. Some time away from the baby should restore some equilibrium and enjoyment to the relationship.
Aside from these few stated reasons to abstain from or to delay sexual intimacy in a relationship, intercourse should be continued as it reduces tension in a familiar way, it reaffirms one’s desirability as a sexual partner, and it fosters the hormonal climate which allows a quicker return of the uterus to the pre-pregnant state. Love-making also gives one a sense of being loved and secure, and a sense of physical health. So enjoy!
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