Sexuality in the third trimester of pregnancy

Authors

  • Alexandra Queirós Médico do Internato Complementar de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. Serviço de Medicina Materno-Fetal da Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa, Lisboa, Portugal.
  • Pedro Conde Médico do Internato Complementar de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. Serviço de Medicina Materno-Fetal da Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa, Lisboa, Portugal.
  • Vera Cunha Médico do Internato Complementar de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. Serviço de Medicina Materno-Fetal da Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa, Lisboa, Portugal.
  • Paula Ambrósio Médico do Internato Complementar de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. Serviço de Medicina Materno-Fetal da Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa, Lisboa, Portugal.
  • Filipe J. Marques Professor Auxiliar do Departamento de Matemática, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal.
  • Fátima Serrano Assistente Graduada do Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia da Maternidade Dr. Alfredo da Costa e Assistente Convidada da Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de Lisboa, Portugal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v27i5.10886

Keywords:

Sexuality, Pregnancy Trimester, Third

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the sexual activity of women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Dr. Alfredo da Costa Obstetric Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal. Participants: One hundred pregnant women with a low risk pregnancy, without medical restrictions on their sexual activity. Methods:An anonymous self-administered questionnaire including demographic data, information on sexual relations, and beliefs about sexuality during the last trimester of pregnancy was completed by women attending an outpatient obstetric clinic during the third trimester of their pregnancy. Results: Most women had reduced their sexual activity during pregnancy although half of them had sexual intercourse one or more times per week and continued vaginal intercourse with no significant changes in other sexual behaviours in the third trimester. Factors associated with a reduction in sexual activity in the third trimester were reduced desire and satisfaction, dyspareunia and fatigue. Myths, religion, level of education and lack of information from heath care providers were also associated with a reduction sexual activity. Women indicated frequently that their sexual partner was afraid of harming the baby. A few women had information from health professionals regarding sexual activity in pregnancy and think that they should received more. Conclusions: The authors believe that pregnancy does not disrupt sexuality in a couple with a previously satisfactory relationship. Nevertheless health professionals should discuss this topic with pregnant women more often.

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Published

2011-09-01

Issue

Vol. 27 No. 5 (2011): Revista Portuguesa de Clínica Geral

Section

Original Research

License

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How to Cite

Sexuality in the third trimester of pregnancy. (2011). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 27(5), 434-43. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v27i5.10886