Having sex right after childbirth can cause bleeding, infection, painful sex and perineal tearing in women, says a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist.
The gynecologist, Abosede Lewu, told the Nigerian News Agency (NAN) on Sunday that the well-being of the woman immediately after childbirth will determine when to resume sexual intercourse.
Ms. Lewu is the team leader in girlsaide initiative and Coordinator, Keep All Mothers Alive Project.
According to her, the resumption of sexual activity can begin from 42 days or six weeks after childbirth or delivery, if the general well-being of the woman is excellent.
“The vaginal area may feel sore and painful after childbirth and there may be stitches after a perineal tear during childbirth.
“Therefore, the woman’s body after pregnancy needs to recover and return to normal.
“If you resume sexual intercourse without allowing the body to recover, there can be complications such as: bleeding, infections, poor healing, painful sex, perineal tear rupture and other health problems,” he said.
Ms. Lewu said that when couples can resume intercourse after childbirth has been a subject of controversy and contention in some households.
“The popular trimesters of pregnancy are the first, second and third, but there is a fourth component that we call ‘puerperium’.
“The ‘puerperium’ is also a critical period in the life of a woman who has just had a pregnancy and is the first 42 days or six weeks after delivery.
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“This 42-day period is not set in stone. The well-being of the woman is what determines when to resume sexual relations as a couple, ”he said.
The gynecologist said that not all women could resume their sexual activities six weeks after giving birth, as some might not have had smooth deliveries.
“A woman could have had a difficult pregnancy, a difficult delivery, postpartum mental health issues, stress, fatigue, lack of physical or emotional support, loss of libido, and multiple babies.
“And in some cases, you just don’t feel like having sex yet. Therefore, it is inadvisable to say that once it is six weeks, a woman should resume sexual intercourse.
“Her general health and well-being must be closely watched, and she must be ready.
“This is not the case for all women, some have soft births and their libido or sex drive just picks up within six weeks,” he said.
Ms. Lewu urged husbands, family members and friends to support women immediately after giving birth so that they can recover and resume all activities as soon as possible.
“Provide physical support. Help with cleaning, cooking and baby care so the woman can nap and sleep as newborn babies can keep women up all night.
“Husbands should speak words of encouragement and show appreciation to their wives, this is not the time to criticize, rather be a source of joy and admiration, remind her how beautiful she is and how motherhood is an additional beauty for her.
“If you have any medical or childbirth-related complications, make sure you use your medications and seek follow-up care.
“In most cases, this is a phase and it will surely pass,” said Ms. Lewu.
(YAYA)