🏡 Rights & responsibilities · #18
How long after childbirth may one have relations with one's wife?
The ruling on postnatal bleeding is the same as menstruation: intercourse is forbidden until the postnatal bleeding stops and the wife takes the obligatory bath.
There is no minimum period of postnatal bleeding; if the bleeding stops early and the wife bathes, intercourse is legally permitted. However, a doctor's advice on recovery of the womb, stitches and the wife's emotional health must also be taken into account, because Islam forbids harming oneself. Many doctors advise waiting around six weeks or until the postnatal check-up. Also discuss family planning before resuming intimacy. See Marital etiquette.
There is no minimum period of postnatal bleeding; if the bleeding stops early and the wife bathes, intercourse is legally permitted. However, a doctor's advice on recovery of the womb, stitches and the wife's emotional health must also be taken into account, because Islam forbids harming oneself. Many doctors advise waiting around six weeks or until the postnatal check-up. Also discuss family planning before resuming intimacy. See Marital etiquette.
Difference between schools. Maximum period of postnatal bleeding: 60 days for the Shafi'is and Malikis, 40 days for the Hanafis and Hanbalis. Bleeding beyond that period is considered irregular bleeding (istihadah).
Sources
Surah al-Baqarah 2:222Surah al-Baqarah 2:195