the first six weeks

Expert advice on taking care of yourself and your new baby

Relationships For many couples, the stresses and demands of pregnancy, childbirth and caring for a newborn can strain a relationship. You and your husband may be too tired for sex. Set aside time for each other at least once a week to go on a date, even if it takes place at the dining room table while the baby sleeps. Hugs, kisses and other expressions of affection are never off limits, but intercourse is verboten for four to six weeks because it takes about that long for the cervix to close fully and block contaminants that could cause infection. Ask your doctor about this before you leave the hospital.