Prior to hospital discharge, the nurse discusses sexuality after childbirth with a client who had an uncomplicated vaginal birth with no perineal lacerations. Which client statement requires further teaching?

Question

Prior to hospital discharge, the nurse discusses sexuality after childbirth with a client who had an uncomplicated vaginal birth with no perineal lacerations.  Which client statement requires further teaching?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Initiating an open discussion about sexual activity after childbirth allows the nurse to provide anticipatory guidance and recognize individual client concerns (eg, discomfort, fatigue, fear, body image). The nurse should plan to reinforce the use of contraception because many clients resume sexual activity before their postpartum checkup (4-6 weeks after birth), when contraception methods are usually prescribed. Ovulation may occur as early as 4 weeks after birth and before resumption of menses, especially in clients who formula feed. Clients should be encouraged to use a barrier contraceptive such as condoms to prevent pregnancy until another form of birth control can be prescribed (Option C). (Option A) Sexual activity may be resumed once lacerations/episiotomy are healed, and vaginal bleeding has stopped. For clients with no birth complications, risk of infection or bleeding is low at ≥2 weeks postpartum. (Option B) Sexual arousal takes more time for most postpartum clients due to hormonal changes. Lactating clients may especially experience symptoms of estrogen deficiency (eg, vaginal dryness). Vaginal lubrication is recommended to increase comfort. (Option D) Sexual activity may be inhibited by the couple's sense of responsibility for newborn needs. In addition, sexual arousal may stimulate leakage of breast milk. Feeding the newborn before sexual activity helps alleviate these concerns/distractions. Educational objective: Many postpartum clients resume sexual activity before their postpartum checkups (4-6 weeks after birth). Encouraging the use of barrier contraceptives (eg, condoms) to prevent pregnancy is important because ovulation may occur as early as 4 weeks after birth and before resumption of menses.

Prior to Hospital Discharge, the Nurse Discusses Sexuality After Childbirth