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Sex After Baby: Tips for Improved Intimacy and Comfort Postpartum

three people underneath yellow bed blanket

Becoming a new parent involves significant life changes, including changes in couples’ sex lives. Researchers1 wanted to know how frequent sexual anxieties are after having a baby and whether they affect relationship happiness.

They polled a large number of new mother-and-father couples when their babies were between 3 and 12 months old. Almost 90% reported having more than ten sex-related concerns after the kid was born. These concerns produced moderate stress for both mothers and fathers.

Some differences emerged between mothers and fathers. Dads who were more concerned about sex had lower levels of relationship contentment with their partners. However, when mothers were more concerned about sex, it only decreased the father’s satisfaction, not the mother’s.

Furthermore, moms with more frequent sex worries resulted in reduced happiness for both parents. However, fathers’ more frequent fears had a less significant impact on happiness.

As a result, it appears that new mothers may require additional assistance in dealing with their numerous sex concerns following the birth of their child. New fathers may also require further assistance in coping with sex-related emotional distress. This is important for making both parents satisfied in their new parenting partnership.

The essential point is that sex concerns are very common among new mothers and fathers after having a baby. However, these concerns reduce both partners’ satisfaction in the partnership. Doctors should ask about this while seeing new parents to assist them deal with the obstacles and maintain their connection during the major life shift of having a kid.

Here are some strategies for regaining your rhythm after delivering a kid:

woman in white dress lying on white bed

Take things slowly. Do not hurry into sex before you are ready. Cuddling, massages, and other physical activities might help you reconnect.

Use lubricant. Childbirth and hormonal changes can dry you out and make sex uncomfortable. Lubricant makes things go more smoothly.

Try new positions. A missionary may not feel fantastic just after a vaginal delivery. The girl on top allows you to adjust both depth and speed.

Speak honestly. Share your anxieties or discomfort so that you can work through them together. This is unfamiliar territory for both of you.

Make time for intimacy. Schedule date nights, even if it’s just at home after the baby goes to bed. Continue to nurture your relationship.

Focus on foreplay. If necessary, refrain from engaging in intercourse for some time. There are other ways to be intimate without it.

Be patient. Your sex urge is likely to return, but it may take some time. As you acclimate to being a parent, focus on reconnecting emotionally.

Seek aid if necessary. If the pain during sex persists, consult your doctor. Consider seeking treatment for interpersonal or sexual concerns.

The most important thing is to avoid placing pressure on yourself. Intimacy after a baby requires adaptability and communication. You have got this!

References

  1. A New Baby in the Bedroom: Frequency and Severity of Postpartum Sexual Concerns and Their Associations With Relationship Satisfaction in New Parent Couples ↩︎
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Women's Health

Getting Pregnant After 35: Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy in Your Late 30s

man kissing woman's forehead white holding ultrasound photo

Women are increasingly putting off having children until their 30s or even 40s. Many women believe that with advancements in fertility treatments, they can conceive easily even as they age. However, when it comes to fertility and maintaining a healthy pregnancy, a woman’s age is more important than anything else.

Around the age of 35, a woman’s fertility begins to decline significantly. This is because she has fewer and fewer healthy eggs remaining. And, contrary to popular belief, the older a woman becomes, the less likely she is to benefit from reproductive therapies such as IVF. As women age, their pregnancy rates decrease while their miscarriage rates increase.

Preterm birth, small-for-age babies, stillbirths, gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other pregnancy complications are also more common in older women. After age 35, the risk of developing chromosomal disorders such as Down Syndrome increases significantly.

With all of these concerns, waiting to have children has become a major public health concern. Even the most advanced reproductive therapies available today cannot compensate for the natural drop in fertility that occurs as women age. Women need to learn more about their biological clocks and consider having children sooner.

We need public health initiatives to inform women about how aging affects fertility and pregnancy outcomes. In short, delaying until later in life significantly reduces a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant naturally or through reproductive treatments. It also increases the chance of complications during pregnancy. We need to do more to educate women and address this important public health issue.

Although getting pregnant in your late thirties might seem tough, but it can completely happen! A few tips that will help you have a healthy pregnancy.

First, see a doctor! Visiting the doctor is not always enjoyable but getting checked out before you even try is really important. They will ensure that illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes do not become problems for you or your kid in the future. Inquire about what tests or next steps the doctor recommends for you seasoned moms-to-be. Knowledge is powerful!

person holding white and green plastic container

While you wait for the baby, it’s time to prepare your body. Prenatal vitamins are your new best friend, especially those with a lot of folic acid. According to research1, it can significantly minimize the likelihood of developmental issues for babies. Eating healthily includes lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and entire grains. Drink plenty of water and milk to replenish your vitamins. Exercise will improve your energy and happiness. Even walking works wonders!

And don’t worry if you get strange food cravings along the road. As long as you’re also eating nutrient-dense foods, a few unusual combination snacks won’t hurt. If you have any serious concerns, speak with your doctor. Oh, and make sure to take your prenatal vitamins! Set phone reminders if you have to; these infants are too important to miss.

Most importantly, enjoy the journey! Growing your small human is an unforgettable experience. Reach out to your doctor whenever you need help; your powerful mama tribe has got you. You really rock this!

References

  1. Delayed Childbearing: Effects on Fertility and the Outcome of Pregnancy  ↩︎
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Women's Health

Vaginal Health 101: Preventing Yeast Infections and Promoting pH Balance

How the pH balance in the vagina can indicate an infection? Normally, the vagina is fairly acidic, with a pH of 3.8–5.0. This acidity prevents harmful microorganisms from taking hold. Good bacteria, such as lactobacilli, produce acids that keep the pH stable. However, douching, unprotected intercourse, antibiotics, and menstruation can reduce the vagina’s acidity, allowing infections to occur.

When vaginal pH rises over normal, it often indicates vaginitis, which is swelling and infection of the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections caused by Candida fungus, and parasitic trichomoniasis are the three most frequent. Each produces unpleasant symptoms such as discharge, discomfort, itching, and fishy odor. When vaginal pH exceeds 4.5, doctors frequently test for bacterial vaginosis. They also examine the discharge under a microscope to identify the bugs causing problems.

Treatment is determined by the underlying cause. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections require antifungal creams or pills, and trichomoniasis is treated with antiparasitic medication. Probiotic pills containing good microorganisms may help to prevent future problems.

There are at-home test kits available that girls can use to assess their vaginal pH. Along with other symptoms, these tests can detect infections early, allowing females to receive the appropriate treatment more quickly. Hygeia Touch, Biosynex Exacto, FloriSense, and Monistat are popular pH testing.


Dealing with down there troubles can be a real nuisance! However, what helps to avoid infections and irritation?

First and foremost, you must wear breathable underwear! Anything too tight or made of synthetic fibers seems to cause issues. If an underwear bothers your skin or does not allow for air flow, just quit wearing it.

Discontinue douching. It appears to help clean the region, doctor says douching can actually kill healthy bacteria and alter pH balance. And the doctor would know best in this scenario!

Instead, take women’s probiotic supplements with lactobacillus strains, which boost beneficial bacteria growth. A cup of plain yogurt once a day produces a similar effect, it’s a small habit that counts.

When showering, take care not to let fragrant soaps or body washes into your vagina. That can be irritating. Also avoid using any scented items or sprays in that area.

It’s inconvenient to deal with infections and pH concerns, but be conscious of the textiles you wear and do not use any fragranced treatments down there. This1 will help you stay comfortable. I hope some of these recommendations help girls avoid issues !!

References

  1. MDPI and ACS Style
    Lin, Y.-P.; Chen, W.-C.; Cheng, C.-M.; Shen, C.-J. Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis. Diagnostics 2021, 11, 1996. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics11111996
    AMA Style
    Lin Y-P, Chen W-C, Cheng C-M, Shen C-J. Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis. Diagnostics. 2021; 11(11):1996. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics11111996
    Chicago/Turabian Style
    Lin, Yen-Pin, Wei-Chun Chen, Chao-Min Cheng, and Ching-Ju Shen. 2021. “Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis” Diagnostics 11, no. 11: 1996.     ↩︎
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Women's Health

Getting Pregnant Fast: Fertility Tips When Trying to Conceive

The percentage of infertile couples who do not become pregnant after a year of trying has risen to 15%. One-third of cases of infertility are prompted by disorders affecting female reproduction. Things that people do for their health—what they eat, exercise, smoke, drink, etc.—have an enormous effect on a woman’s likelihood of getting pregnant. Nutrition appears to be a major factor.

The Mediterranean diet, which is loaded with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil, and other healthful foods, is thought to improve the outcome of fertility treatments. It lowers the probability of medical conditions like PCOS and insulin resistance, which make getting pregnant extremely challenging.

On the contrary , the typical Western diet, which is heavy in red meat, processed carbs, added sugars, trans fats, and saturated fats, truly leads to ovulation complications, inflammation, and an imbalance in gut flora. Consuming large amounts of refined, high-GI foods may increase the possibility of insulin resistance, ovulation issues and infertility. Research shows that sugar-filled sodas may also be harmful. Saturated and trans fats also don’t seem to assist. Although omega-3s may be beneficial. However, monounsaturated fats do appear to boost fertility.

Ovulation-related infertility seems to be associated with an excessive intake of animal protein. In fact, plant-based proteins might boost fertility. It’s particularly critical to have ample of nutrients which promote fertility, such as antioxidants, vitamin D, and folic acid. Some women may benefit from supplementing because deficiencies are associated with adverse outcomes.
Overall, women who are attempting to conceive would benefit most from a balanced low-carbohydrates, low-sugar diet packed with vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats that follow the guidelines of the Mediterranean diet. A change in lifestyle could drastically impact your chances of success!

Following advice may also help to get pregnant quickly : start monitoring your cycle1, record all of your symptoms, periods and other information. Attempt to have sex every other night until ovulation. Implement dietary changes, make balanced meals with vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, and stock your pantry with nutritious snacks like yogurt and fruit. If you are overweight, then start shedding some pounds in order to bring yourself down to a healthy BMI by exercising more, ingesting fewer processed foods . This will help your cycle to considerably become more regular.

Abstain from caffeine and alcohol throughout this time to maximize your chances as they might interfere with conception. Stress management is very crucial. As a way to decompress and declutter, start doing yoga and meditation multiple times a week. Having self-care time will greatly improve your attitude.

During your fertile window, took positions that allow for deeper penetration. Start spending 15 to 20 minutes after sex lying motionless with your hips elevated on a pillow. The sperm will have the ideal circumstances to reach their target because of this!

After implementing these recommendations you would see the lovely positive test. Wishing you luck on this beautiful journey!

References

  1. Skoracka K, Ratajczak AE, Rychter AM, Dobrowolska A, Krela-Kazmierczak I. Female Fertility and the Nutritional Approach: The Most Essential Aspects. Adv Nutr. 2021 Dec 1;12(6):2372-2386. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmab068. PMID: 34139003; PMCID: PMC8634384. ↩︎
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