Abstract
Sexual activity during pregnancy is determined by emotional, psychosocial, hormonal, and anatomical factors and varies during trimesters. This work aimed to establish women’s sexual activity during each trimester of pregnancy. A total of 624 women were included in the study and filled in the questionnaire three times, once during each trimester of pregnancy. The first part of the survey included questions about socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, and medical details of a given pregnancy. The second part was the Polish version of the female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaire. Comparison of the mean scores for the overall sexual function of each trimester revealed clinically relevant sexual dysfunction in the second and third trimesters (mean values 25.9 ± 8.7 and 22.7 ± 8.7, respectively; p < 0.01). Women were most sexually active during their second trimester. In the first trimester of pregnancy, women were most likely to choose intercourse in the missionary position. Women with vocational education were characterized by the lowest and homogenous FSFI values. Total FSFI score depended on the martial status—the highest value pertained to married women (25.2 ± 6.9; p = 0.02).
Highlights
IntroductionAs pregnancy is one of the most important periods in one’s life, it may be a cause of an alteration in the sexual activity of future parents
Sexuality is an important part of human life, one that crucially determines people’s well-being.As pregnancy is one of the most important periods in one’s life, it may be a cause of an alteration in the sexual activity of future parents
It must be highlighted that women who are satisfied with their sex life may be interested in the continuation of sexual activity throughout their whole pregnancy, while those who are not interested in sex may tend to avoid sexual intercourse during pregnancy
Summary
As pregnancy is one of the most important periods in one’s life, it may be a cause of an alteration in the sexual activity of future parents. Pregnancy is often associated with a reduction or cessation of sexual activity [1]. This may be a result of decreased sexual desire that is often reported by pregnant women, or it is caused by the fears and myths associated with the health of both mother and child [2,3]. The most often mentioned concerns about sexual activity during pregnancy are bleeding, induction of labor, infection, fetal damage, and the rupture of membranes [1,3]. It must be highlighted that women who are satisfied with their sex life may be interested in the continuation of sexual activity throughout their whole pregnancy, while those who are not interested in sex may tend to avoid sexual intercourse during pregnancy
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