Sexuality, sexual behaviour and pregnancy

Abstract

This paper reviews the available literature which comments upon the possible impact of pregnancy on sexuality and sexual behaviour patterns, particularly the ways in which these adapt and alter. It highlights the shortcomings of the studies' construction and execution, and explores the unproven assumptions, made by the researchers, which underpin the studies. It is argued that further research needs to be undertaken which not only investigates alterations in sexual behaviour during pregnancy, but also explores changes that occur across the lifespan. There is little or no normative data against which to compare changes apparently perceived as resulting from pregnancy and, therefore, such deviations from previous patterns of behaviour may be being erroneously attributed to pregnancy itself. Additionally, it is suggested that the emphasis of the research which, has in the past, attempted to define what is normal, should adopt a more open and exploratory attitude to gain a broader picture of adaptations in sexual behaviour and their origins.