Sex, after a baby?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-14-2005
Sex, after a baby?
3
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 3:48pm

I think this topic has been posted before but there were only a couple of replies so I’d like to ask it again.

Does sex feel differently after a natural childbirth?

My husband and I are planning on trying to have a baby next year and I have always been a little worried about this. I have never thought that my husband and myself are a great ‘fit’ physically (he is smaller than average and my greatest sexual satisfaction has been achieved when I have been with men who were bigger than normal). I am concerned that after a baby this will only get worse and it will affect both of us. I have heard/read views on this which seem to completely contradict themselves; either that there will be no change at all or that it will never be the same again. I would love some first hand experience from both a women’s and a man’s perspective.

Also, if there another post on this subject that I have missed with more numerous replies I would appreciate it being pointed out.
Thanks.

Avatar for lala21228
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 6:27pm
it was exactly the same for me. i gave vaginal birth to my daughter, she was 7 and a half pounds and i too was sooo worried that things wouldnt be a perfect fit anymore but it definately is. i have to add that the appearence changed a little bit, its not smooth and perfect like it was (i had 4 stitches) but it still feels exactly the same i asked my man and he has assured me it is still as tight as it was prior to birth. i can still grip one finger with my pc muscles.:)
Avatar for katmandoo2001
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 12-14-2005 - 7:35pm

The answer is that it can vary from woman to woman. It depends mostly on your particular genetics and experience.

I've given birth twice and neither I or my DH noticed a difference either time. But remember, it can take up to 18 mos. to fully recover from childbirth. You will experience some changes until you give your body time to fully heal. I think that may be why some people believe that the vagina stretches out with delivery.

The vagina was designed to stretch and then go back to it's original size but that elasticity can be affected by the size of the baby, genetics, damage, etc. Talk with your mother, grandmother, etc and find out what their experiences were and you may have a better idea of what to expect.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 12-15-2005 - 1:35am
There's really too many variables to try and guess.