Sexuality and Sexual Activity in Pregnancy
Wasinee Uwapusitanon MD*, Thanapan Choobun MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai
Objectives : To evaluate women’s sexual activities and to describe their attitudes and information sources
regarding sexual activity during pregnancy.
Method : Pregnant women were interviewed with a structured questionnaire for three time periods. Main
outcome measures were frequency of coitus, desire, arousal, orgasm and sexual satisfaction. Comparisons
were made between the trimesters of pregnancy.
Results : All main outcome measures significantly decreased throughout pregnancy (p < 0.001). Sexual
position changed significantly with decrease in the use of the “man on top” position. Concerns regarding
sexual activity leading to abortion decreased as the pregnancy progressed. Only 22% of pregnant women
received information about sexual activity in pregnancy from their doctors.
Conclusion : Sexuality and sexual activity were reduced significantly throughout pregnancy. Giving
information on this issue from doctors to pregnant women was still low. Educational and counseling program
on sexual activity during pregnancy should be disseminated both to women and doctors.
Keywords : Sexuality, Sexual activity, Pregnancy
