Most of us just assume that sex is the last thing on the minds of sleep-deprived new mums, but new research suggests that nearly half wait just six weeks after giving birth before they resume sexual activity.
Australian researchers found that 41 per cent tried sex within six weeks of giving birth. By 12 weeks, this had risen to 78 per cent and 94 pent by the six-month mark.
Older mums and those who had undergone Caesarean sections took longer to get their sex lives back on track.
Women who had sex within six weeks of birth were less likely to have undergone surgery or a forceps delivery or suffered an injury such as a cut or tear during their labour.
Cuts and tears are more common than you think, with the paper also stating that only about 10 per cent of women having a first baby will achieve the vaginal birth without intervention, tear or cut.
The research was carried out by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, in Victoria, Australia and the study was published in the leading journal BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
It also revealed that sexual activity was resumed earlier than vaginal sex. 53 per cent of new mothers resumed some sexual activity within six weeks of giving birth.
There is not a recommended waiting time after birth, it is suggested that new parents take their time and wait until the feel comfortable.
The study’s lead author, Associate Professor Stephanie Brown, said: “The most important finding from the study is the wide time interval over which couples resume sex after childbirth.
“Most couples do not resume sex until after 6 to 8 weeks postpartum, and many delay much longer than this.
“This is useful information for couples to know before their baby is born, and may help reduce feelings of anxiety and guilt about not resuming sexual activity sooner.”
The journal’s deputy editor, John Thorp, said it is very common for women and their partners to want information about when sexual activity may be safely and comfortably resumed.
“This study provides important new evidence to guide information given to women and their partners about what to expect after childbirth,” he said.
“However, it is important to remember that these decisions are down to the individual couple and when it feels right for them.”
It is also advised that new mums do not have sex until their post-birth bleeding stops because they could risk infection.
