Abstract
Objective
To investigate the quantitative and qualitative measures of the complex relationship between sexuality and the pregnant state.
Methods
An anonymous questionnaire [comprising the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire, the Evaluation and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication and Happiness (ENRICH) Marital Satisfaction Scale, scale of attitudes toward sexuality, the World Health Organization (WHO) Well-Being Index and the scale of body image] was given to 243 women during antenatal classes.
Results
We evaluated 200 primiparous women, with an average age of 30.5 years (range 21–44), at an average gestational age of 31.6 weeks (range 19–38). We found that sexual intercourse during pregnancy is less frequent and less satisfying compared to the pre-pregnancy period. Sexuality or certain aspects of sexuality (arousal and satisfaction with sexuality) are associated with the fear of hurting the fetus, satisfaction with intimate partner relationship, general attitude toward sexuality, physical self-image and general well-being. Women who are more satisfied with their intimate partner relationship are also more satisfied with their sexuality.
Conclusion
Sexuality and sexual well-being during pregnancy are associated with the fear of hurting the fetus, satisfaction with intimate partner relationship, attitude toward sexuality, physical self-image and general well-being.
Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.
Research funding: None declared.
Employment or leadership: None declared.
Honorarium: None declared.
Competing interests: The funding organization(s) played no role in the study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; or in the decision to submit the report for publication.
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