Postpartum Sex Taboos and their Health Implications: A Literature Review

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21319150

Sejabaledi A. Rankoana (Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Limpopo, South Africa)

Cultural taboos, such as the postpartum sex taboo, are prohibitive norms that restrict individuals within a society from engaging in specific behaviours. This review synthesises the literature on cultural conceptions of postpartum sex taboos, their duration, and their health impacts in the African context. It draws on empirical and conceptual research on postpartum sex taboos from Africa and other countries. The findings highlight the prevalence and adherence to postpartum taboos, the postpartum period, and, most importantly, the health impacts of failing to observe postpartum sexual abstinence on maternal and child health. These impacts include poor child growth and maternal health issues. Integrating postpartum sexual health counselling into maternal and child health programmes is recommended for optimal postnatal care.