It takes various periods of time for each individual woman's body to physically recover from giving birth. This is very much related to any interventions that may have been needed at the birth, and any complications that arose before or after the birth. We have discussed the main aspects of the probable recuperation expected after a vaginal birth,
forceps,
ventouse, and a Caesarean birth in
physical recovery and more information on recovery after a Caesarean
here. The following information deals with the woman's physical recovery, specifically in relation to her resuming a sexual relationship.
Vaginal dryness
Your pelvic floor
Your belly
Your breasts
Stitches in the genitals
Stitches after a Caesarean
Vaginal dryness. In the early weeks after the birth, the woman's body has quite low levels of the hormone 'oestrogen' and these levels will remain low for women who continue to breastfeed (until the breastfeeding finishes). Low oestrogen levels can cause vaginal dryness. For some women, this can lead to them experiencing difficulty having comfortable penetration, as well as possibly increasing any tenderness (or occasionally causing pain) during intercourse. Most couples need to use a water-based vaginal lubricant (such as KY jelly, available at supermarkets and pharmacies), particularly in the early months after the birth and for the time the baby is being breastfed (or longer if you both enjoy using it!)
Your pelvic floor. The pelvic floor muscles normally become weakened during the pregnancy. This is because of the hormone progesterone as well as the strain of carrying the weight of the baby towards the end of the pregnancy. The pelvic floor muscles can become further weakened by the stretching they undergo, when giving way for the baby to be born vaginally.