Sexuality throughout all the stages of pregnancy: Experiences of expectant mothers

Fernández-Sola, Cayetano; Huancara-Kana, Denisse; Granero-Molina, José; Carmona-Samper, Esther; López-Rodríguez, María del Mar; Hernández-Padilla, José Manuel

doi:10.1590/1982-0194201800043

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Acta Paulista de Enfermagem

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Original Article • Acta Paul Enferm 31 (3) • May-Jun 2018 • https://doi.org/10.1590/1982-0194201800043 copy

Sexuality throughout all the stages of pregnancy: Experiences of expectant mothers

Authorship SCIMAGO INSTITUTIONS RANKINGS

Abstract

Objective

To explore and understand the sexual experiences of expectant mothers during their pregnancy.

Methods

The study was carried out in two healthcare centers in the Almería Health District, in southern Spain. The participants included pregnant women who received prenatal care and/or maternity education. The inclusion criteria were being pregnant, maintaining sexual activity and agreeing to participate in the study. The exclusion criteria were having limitations on sexual activity by medical prescription. The sample consisted of 15 expectant women selected using a convenience sample, of which 5 took part in a focus group (FG) and 10 in in-depth interviews (IDI). Data was collected between the months of June and December 2016. Participants were contacted by the main researcher and an appointment was made to carry out the FGs or the IDIs.

Results

Three main categories emerged: False beliefs and a holistic approach to sexuality during pregnancy, which is related to the concept of sexuality, false beliefs, and limited sexual counseling during pregnancy. Limitations: From fear at the beginning to physical difficulty at the end, referring to the fluctuations in sexual desire as well as the physical changes that limit sexual activity. Adapting to changes: safe practices and satisfaction with one’s body image, which encompasses concerns about the risks and the relationship between body image and self-esteem.

Conclusion

A lack of sexual counseling during pregnancy leads to the creation of false beliefs, which, together with physical changes, concerns about the risk, and fluctuations in sexual desire and interest, bring about a decrease in sexual activity. But sexuality remains an important aspect of pregnancy, toward which the participants must adopt a broader approach, not limited to intercourse, and adopt sexual practices that are adapted to the physical and emotional changes that happen during this time.

Pregnancy; Sexuality; Sexual education; Sexual behavior; Qualitative research

Participant	Age	Weeks pregnant	Profession	Education level
FG-1	30	26	Accounting advisor	College
FG-2	28	32	Student	Vocational training
FG-3	31	36	Teacher	College
FG-4	35	32	Doctor	University
FG-5	27	24	Homemaker	High school
IDI-1	38	34	Clinical Psychologist	Master’s
IDI-2	38	30	Economist	College
IDI-3	30	23	Teacher	University
IDI-4	31	30	Businesswoman	College
IDI-5	30	39	Teacher	College
IDI-6	34	40	Biologist	College
IDI-7	31	36	Waitress	High school
IDI-8	28	37	Psychologist	College
IDI-9	31	20	Student	Vocational training
IDI-10	34	28	Homemaker	Vocational training

Categories	Subcategories	Units of meaning
False beliefs and a holistic approach to sexuality during pregnancy	False beliefs and advice during the pregnancy	Safety, information about positions during pregnancy, self-reporting, risk of miscarriage, fear of losing the fetus, giving in to pressure, moral limitations, uncertainty with their partner, harmful sex.
	Towards a broader concept of sexuality	Initiating the sexual act, broad concept, masturbation, other acts besides penetration, sexuality being important, relating to sex, intimacy with partner, erotic games.
Limitations. From fear at the beginning to physical difficulty at the end.	Fluctuations in sexual interest and desire	Fetal wellbeing, abstinence, stress, signs, being kind, discomfort, work, intensity, time, children.
	Physical changes that limit traditional sexual activity	Uncomfortable positions, lack of independence in certain movements, body size.
Adaptation to changes: safe practices and satisfaction with one’s body image.	Concern about the risk and finding helpful positions	Intercourse, orgasm, Andromache position, comfortable position, oral sex, “69”, intercourse from behind, penetration from behind, sideways position, heavy petting, tenderness.
	Relationship between body image and self-esteem. Feeling attractive and pampered	Feeling attractive, protective husband, body image, self-image, cuddling/pampering, thoughtful husband, loving, vaginal lubrication, smooth skin.

Escola Paulista de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de São Paulo R. Napoleão de Barros, 754, 04024-002 São Paulo - SP/Brasil, Tel./Fax: (55 11) 5576 4430 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: actapaulista@unifesp.br

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[1] Corresponding author. Cayetano Fernández-Sola. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1721-0947. E-mail: cfernan@ual.es