Sex is a big issue between married couples. It is an important aspect in a marriage relationship and therefore has to be maintained. Women are particularly concern about it especially right after giving birth. Some of these concerns are brought up below.

#1: When is the right time to have sex?

Women who had a normal vaginal delivery can resume their sex life after the bleeding has stopped. Those who had a Caesarean section or a complicated delivery that requires an episiotomy should refer to their doctor for advice. The woman should be physically and psychologically ready before she resumes her sex life. The time length varies for different women and can be within a few weeks or even up to a year.

#2: Will sex be different after a baby?

There may be some loss of sensation as the vagina was stretched during the delivery. You can tone back the vagina by doing some exercises on the pelvic floor muscles. Your partner generally does not have an issue on this matter as he is more concern about resuming physical intimacy with you.

#3: Is contraception needed immediately?

Contraception is important as soon as you resume sexual intercourse. Women have been known to get pregnant within a month of delivery or while still breastfeeding their babies.

#4: Will my partner see or treat me differently?

This issue needs to be discussed by both partners to prevent any misunderstandings. The right answer will vary for each couple and there should be a mutual agreement at the end.

#5: After giving birth, will the woman’s libido be affected?

There is a possibility that the woman’s libido or sex drive is low. Having a new responsibility and taking time to recover from the birth experience will no doubt affect the woman’s libido. Hence, both partners should work together to maintain the physical intimacy or affection in various ways such as cuddling or massaging each other. The woman’s libido will eventually return but needs to be worked on with the help of the partner.

photo credit: HAMED MASOUMI

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Most of us know that the placenta is an important organ connecting the baby to the mother while still in the womb. Its main role is to provide nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the baby. In addition, it also removes waste from the baby to the mother.

If that is not amazing enough, below are 8 more interesting facts about your body’s ‘disposable’ organ:

• The placenta produces pregnancy hormones, for example the “human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)” in the early days of pregnancy. The hormones estrogen and progesterone assist in building up the lining of the womb to provide a cushion for the baby.

• It is important to have a good diet and a healthy lifestyle. Smoking is also strongly discouraged to ensure a good blood supply through the placenta.

• An average placenta will weigh about 0.5 Kg. The bigger the baby means a bigger placenta. The placenta is formed at conception and develops along with the baby.

• A good position for the placenta to implant and grow is at the top portion of the uterus. However, it is not unusual to find it at the low portion in the early part of the pregnancy.

• The placenta is naturally expelled from the womb after birth. The hormone oxytoxin assists contract the womb and to stop any postnatal bleeding.

• In the Chinese culture, some carry out the practice of burying the placenta in the ground honoring the new life brought into the world. It is also believed that the placenta should be buried near the birthplace for reincarnation purposes.

• The placenta can also be consumed as it contains good nutrients like minerals, iron and zinc. In addition, it is supposed to clear away any post-partum depression and helps the mother recover faster. The preparation may involve drying and baking the placenta before it is grinded into powder form.

• The placenta may also be used for cosmetic purposes just like the popular sheep placenta.

I hope you have learned something new about the placenta after reading the facts above.

photo credit: MeriaDuck

Are you looking forward to the prospect of being a father or dad? If you are, great! If you and your spouse have been planning to have a baby, then this is a happy occasion indeed. This is surely one of the landmark points in your life.

Your spouse will be the one carrying and nurturing the baby inside her womb. As the father-to-be, how do you support your partner during the pregnancy? Well for a start, you can always attend the antenatal appointments with her. Some of the benefits you will get are:

• You can see your baby on the ultrasound scan and start to form a bond with your unborn baby.

• You are certainly supporting your partner as this is a new experience for her as well.

• You are involved in the pregnancy from the very beginning and are aware of the progress each step of the way. If there are complications, you can discuss the pregnancy with the doctor together with your spouse and ensure that the pregnancy is progressing smoothly.

• Inadvertently your knowledge will increase and prepare you for future pregnancies.

I f your spouse is attending antenatal classes, be sure to go with her. Together, you will learn what to expect during labor and birth. Your support and help will be expected when the actual time to give birth comes.

Other things to do with you partner are:

• Spend time and enjoy each other’s company as much as possible as when the baby arrives, your time alone will be limited.

• Go shopping and buy the necessary things or equipment for the baby.

• You and your partner may want to take a tour of the maternity unit or ward before the due date.

• You may start to prepare the baby’s nursery or room such as painting and decorating.

• You and your partner may want to discuss potential names for your baby.

There you have it, the above are suggestions for the new dad on how you can share the experience of pregnancy with your partner. Both of you may have your concerns, worries or questions, so talk openly to each other and look for the answers or solutions as a couple.