Sex after C-section: recovery timeline, comfort tips, and when it’s safe to resume
Learn when it’s safe to have sex after a C-section, common concerns, recovery tips, and how to make sex comfortable as you heal.
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Having a baby by C-section is very common — more than one in three births in the U.S. are delivered this way, and it’s a safe and important option for many parents. Still, a C-section can bring plenty of postpartum questions, from managing the scar to dealing with back pain. Another common concern: when it’s safe or comfortable to have sex again. Or you might not be thinking about intimacy at all.
“Sex might be the last thing on your mind during the first weeks postpartum after a cesarean, and that’s okay,” says Amy Bock, PT, DPT, a physical therapist at Hinge Health. “When you’re ready and medically cleared, there are ways to make intimacy as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.”
Everyone’s C-section healing timeline is unique. When you feel ready and your provider says it’s safe, you can return to sexual activity at your own pace. Listening to your body and taking things slowly can help make the transition more comfortable.
Read on to learn more about when it’s typically safe to have intercourse after a C-section, plus exercises to help you heal and tips for more comfortable sex from Hinge Health physical therapists.
Reviewed by our clinical and medical experts
When can you have sex after a C-section?
Your medical provider is the best resource for when to resume sex after having a C-section. Typically providers discuss this at or around the six-week postpartum appointment.
A C-section involves making an incision through several layers — including skin, muscle, and your uterus — so it’s normal for healing to take time. “You can’t rush the process,” says Dr. Bock. “It’s a slow-and-steady journey to get back to your usual routine and activities."
While most healthcare providers recommend waiting until around six weeks postpartum, everyone is different. Factors such as healing progress, pain levels, and potential complications can influence readiness for intimacy. Many people are not ready to have intercourse at the six-week mark, and that’s completely normal. Give yourself permission to move at your own pace and talk openly with your provider and partner about what feels right for you.
Timeline for recovery after C-section
Everyone’s recovery after a C-section looks a little different, but there are some general milestones most people can expect along the way. Recovery timelines will vary based on how your C-section went and your individual healing process, but here’s a general reference to help you know what to expect:
First few days: Most new parents spend the first few days after a C-section in the hospital. Once you’re home, recovery is focused on rest and pain management. Many people need some pain medication for a few days to two weeks. Ask your doctor what’s safe to take, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Icing your abdominal area three to five times a day for 10-15 minutes at a time can also help relieve discomfort.
Weeks 1-6: Most people experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping for up to six weeks after a C-section. It’s also common to have some scar sensitivity as your incision heals. Follow your doctor’s incision care instructions. “You can also practice breathing techniques for pain management and light scar desensitization during these first weeks,” says Dr. Bock
Week 6: Around six weeks, and with your doctor’s clearance, you may begin gradually introducing more gentle movement at home. When you start exercising, listen to your body. “You want to gradually get back into things, focusing on low resistance movement,” says Dr. Bock. Hold off on more intense exercise until later in your recovery and after you have your doctor’s approval.
Beyond 6 weeks: After six weeks and with clearance from your provider, you may slowly increase your exercise intensity. Around 12 weeks and beyond, it may be safe to start higher-impact or higher-intensity activities, like running. “Around the 8 to 12 week mark is also when you can start to do more scar mobilization,” says Dr. Bock.
Physical therapy for postpartum healing
Physical therapy can play an important role in postpartum recovery after a C-section — especially if you’re dealing with issues like postpartum back pain, diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation), pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, or painful sex.
Physical therapy and targeted exercises can help you safely rebuild core strength, restore pelvic floor function, and address discomfort or concerns that may have started during pregnancy or developed after birth.
A physical therapist (PT) can assess your movement patterns and evaluate your core and pelvic floor function to design a plan of strengthening and stretching exercises to help your body recover after C-section. They can also provide guidance on safe ways to move during daily activities — including lifting or caring for your baby — and strategies to help ease symptoms as you heal. Recommendations may include mindful breathing, relaxation techniques, and tips for managing abdominal or pelvic pressure.
You can see a physical therapist in person or use a program like Hinge Health to access a PT via telehealth/video visit. Some exercises they may recommend can be found below.
“Physical therapy can make a big difference in your postpartum recovery,” says Dr. Bock. Issues like leaking urine, abdominal muscle separation, and pelvic pain are common after delivery, regardless of how you deliver, she explains. “Seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist can help you regain strength and confidence as you get back to your daily routine.”
Exercises for C-section recovery
Want expert care? Check if you're covered for our free program →- Diaphragmatic breathing
- Supine pelvic tilts
- Abdominal bracing
These gentle exercises — diaphragmatic breathing, supine pelvic tilts, and abdominal bracing — each support your C-section recovery in unique ways. Diaphragmatic breathing helps you reconnect with your core and pelvic floor while relieving tension. Supine pelvic tilts gently restore mobility and flexibility in your lower back and pelvis. Supine abdominal bracing activates your deep core muscles and can assist in knitting the abdominal muscles back together after surgery or diastasis. Together, these movements promote better muscle coordination, circulation, and comfort as your body heals.
Full C-section recovery can take several months, and your body’s tissues are usually very good at healing on their own, says Dr. Bock.
“Once you’re cleared by your ob-gyn, you can start gently challenging the surrounding muscles,” she explains. The exercises above are a great place to begin. As your recovery progresses, your physical therapist may recommend more challenging movements, such as bridges, cat cow stretch, and child’s pose. “It’s important to gradually re-engage your core muscles, which may have been less active during pregnancy,” says Dr. Bock.
Check with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine after giving birth.
The information contained in these videos is intended to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or treatment for any specific condition. Hinge Health is not your healthcare provider and is not responsible for any injury sustained or exacerbated by your use of or participation in these exercises. Please consult with your healthcare provider with any questions you may have about your medical condition or treatment.
Tips for comfortable sex after a C-section
Intimacy and intercourse after C-section can feel different than before, but you can make it more comfortable by listening to your body, taking things at your own pace, using lubricant, warming up beforehand, exploring new positions, pausing if you feel pain, and keeping open communication with your partner.
Go at your own pace. Wait until you feel ready — physically and emotionally — before having sex after delivery. “It’s common to have a lower libido because of hormonal changes and everything else you’re going through after having a baby,” says Dr. Bock.
‘Warm up’ for sex. Just like you would warm up before exercise, gentle stretches and exercises can help prepare your body for intimacy.
Prioritize foreplay. Taking time for foreplay can increase comfort, boost natural lubrication, and help both your mind and body feel more prepared for sex.
Scar tissue massage. After your doctor gives the okay, gently massage around your C-section scar before intimacy to help reduce tightness and increase comfort.
Use lubricant to reduce discomfort. Keep lubricant nearby to help reduce any discomfort during sex. Postpartum hormonal changes can cause vaginal dryness, so it’s normal to need more lube than usual.
Experiment with new positions. Find sexual positions that don’t put pressure on your abdominal incision. “Side-lying positions may feel more comfortable for people recovering from a C-section,” says Dr. Bock.
Pause if it’s painful. If you feel pain during sex, stop and take a break. “You don’t want to associate sexual activity with pain,” says Dr. Bock. “You can switch to another type of intimacy or pause altogether if something doesn’t feel right.”
Communicate with your partner. Open communication is key. Along with sharing your desires, let your partner know what you need to feel safe and comfortable during sex.
Are there risks of having sex too soon after C-section?
Waiting until your body has healed before resuming sex after a C-section is important for your safety and comfort, since resuming too soon can increase the risk of complications. A cesarean is major abdominal surgery, so it’s important to follow your medical provider’s advice for when to resume activities like exercise and sex. Having sex too soon after a C-section could lead to:
Increased risk of infection
Delayed wound healing
Pain or discomfort during intercourse
“Your medical provider is the best person to guide you on when it’s safe to have sex again and how to make the experience as comfortable as possible,” says Dr. Bock.
Pelvic floor physical therapy is more than just kegel exercises. Various exercises tailored to your symptoms and needs are key to getting relief. Pelvic floor PT can relieve many different pelvic issues, such as pelvic pain, painful sex, and urinary incontinence.
Members of the Hinge Health pelvic health program experience an average 67% reduction in pelvic pain and 54% reduction in urinary incontinence within the first 12 weeks. Learn more*.
When to see a doctor
Some discomfort with sex after a C-section is normal and improves over time. But if you experience severe abdominal pain, or difficulty with daily activities, see a healthcare provider. It’s also a good idea to get care if you have:
Heavy vaginal bleeding
Pain, swelling, or warmth in your legs
Bleeding, drainage, redness, swelling, or increased pain at your incision site
PT tip: Go at your own pace
Whether you’re ready for intimacy or it’s the last thing on your mind, listen to your body and don’t feel pressured by a specific timeline when it comes to sexual intimacy. “Healing looks different for everyone, and easing back into sex gradually can make the experience more comfortable and positive,” says Dr. Bock.
How Hinge Health can help you
If you have pelvic pain, bladder, bowel, or other pelvic symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, you can get the relief you've been looking for with Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program.
The best part: You don’t have to leave your home because our program is digital. That means you can easily get the care you need through our app, when and where it works for you. Through our program, you’ll have access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition. Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you.
See if you qualify for Hinge Health and confirm free coverage through your employer or benefit plan here.
This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019, November 27). Births – Method of Delivery. Www.cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/delivery.htm
Commander, S., Chamata, E., Cox, J., Dickey, R., & Lee, E. (2016). Update on Postsurgical Scar Management. Seminars in Plastic Surgery, 30(03), 122–128. doi:10.1055/s-0036-1584824
Stupak, A., Kondracka, A., Fronczek, A., & Kwaśniewska, A. (2021). Scar Tissue after a Cesarean Section-The Management of Different Complications in Pregnant Women. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(22), 11998. doi:10.3390/ijerph182211998
Recovering from birth | Womenshealth.gov. (2016, December 14). Womenshealth.gov. https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-and-beyond/recovering-birth
Sex after pregnancy: what you need to know. (2023, March). Www.marchofdimes.org. https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/postpartum/sex-after-pregnancy-what-you-need-to-know