(046) Pattern of Sexual Activities among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Sexuality is rarely discussed in many cultures even in clinical context. Sexual repression and abstinence are not uncommon among pregnant women due to several factors; some of which may be related to ignorance. The pattern of sexual activity in pregnancy with its associated changes and challenges remain poorly understood due to a complex interplay of bio-psycho-social factor. Objective This study demonstrates the pattern of sexual activities among pregnant women with associated changes resulting from pregnancy as well as perception and experiences of these women about sexual activities and function in pregnancy. Methods Pre-tested self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain data from women in second and third trimesters of uncomplicated pregnancies about their sexual activities before and during pregnancy as well as their perception about sexual activities in pregnancy. Results The study recruited 228 pregnant women aged 19 to 44years (Mean - 31.7years) with an average gestational age of 27.8weeks and most (93.8%) were singleton. Most of the respondents were married (97.4%) with tertiary level of education (87.9%). Majority (60.1%) were multiparous and most (96.5%) have commenced antenatal care. Majority (58.8%) reported only one lifetime sexual partner with mean age at coitarche of 23.6years. Only 1.3% have multiple sexual partners during the index pregnancy. Most (74.8%) had sexual activities at least once weekly prior pregnancy. During pregnancy however, only 48% had sexual activities at least once weekly, 25.3% had sexual activity less than once monthly, 5.8% had no sexual activity at all in pregnancy. Frequency of sexual activity in pregnancy was moderately associated with frequency before pregnancy (Pearson–0.428, p-0.000). Regarding changes in sexual activity and function associated with pregnancy; 53.5% reported a negative effect, 28.6% had improvement and 18% reported no change in frequency of sexual activities. Regarding sexual desire, 46.1% had reduction, 31.6% reported improvement and 22.3% reported no effect on their desire. For lubrication however, 39.5% had improvement, 31.2% reported reduction whereas 29.3% reported no change. Their overall satisfaction with their sexual function was reported as better in pregnancy m 43.7%, no change in 20.2% and reduction in 36.1%. Although 77.5% of respondents agreed that regular sexual activities can improve bonding with their partners, 64.3% of respondents were afraid of risk of injury to the baby, 58.8% were afraid of risk of infection, and 51.2% were afraid of bleeding in pregnancy and these fears were reported as reasons for their decision regarding sexual activities in pregnancy. Conclusions Marked reduction in frequency of sexual activities were reported in pregnancy; women who had infrequent intercourse prior pregnancy were more likely to have infrequent intercourse in pregnancy. Fear of injury to the baby, bleeding and infection were among the topmost reasons sexual activities were avoided in pregnancy. Education of pregnant women may reduce unnecessary abstinence and sexual repression in pregnancy and avoid its psychosocial consequences on these women and their partners. Disclosure No.