post-pregnancy question for docs/nurses out there?

[jenniferb]

why is it routine for all docs to tell their patients to wait 6 weeks after delivery to have sex, even when there were no complications or tearing? it drives me insane that this is common practice. I've read that according to alternantive health practitioners, sex can be safe as soon as 2-3 weeks, if the mother is ready. What gives?

[suggir_bear]

The chances of infection.

Even though you didn't "tear" you still probably have some liasons in the birth canal. Once you have sex you encounter "germs" and that could lead to a nasty infection.

I asked my doctor.

[Erika R]

Im no doctor, but I am an experienced mother of 3 They tell you even with a csection to wait 6 weeks, and nothing has ever even came out!

Both pregnancys I have has sex at 1 week pp. Ive not had any complications from this. With my first pregnancy I got my period back 5 weeks pp, and used tampons, which is essentially the same idea, with not complications. I could see if you tore, why they would want you to wait, but if your physically up to it, I wouldnt hold out just because they say so