engleski

Sexuality in pregnancy: The role of maternal body image

Background: Sexual behaviour changes throughout the pregnancy. Mainly the sexual desire and activity decrease toward the end of pregnancy which may be associated with different fears for foetal health. Even though woman’s body goes through remarkable changes during pregnancy, sexuality regarding body image did not get much attention in the literature. Object: We investigated the role of maternal body image in sexual satisfaction and frequency of sexual activity. Methods: One hundred and sixty-two pregnant women in third trimester were asked to complete a self-administered and structured questionnaire anonymously. Modified version of Body Areas Satisfaction Scale, Body Image Self-Consciousness, perceived quality of marital relationship, general information questionnaire, and sexual behaviour questionnaire were administered. Statistic analysis was performed using Pearson correlation test and regression analysis. Results: Most women reported that they had sexual intercourse during last month (60.5%) and are satisfied with their sexual activity in pregnancy (61.1%). Of those women who do not have intercourse, 39% have some obstetrical complications and most of them have fears that intercourse will harm the foetus. Significant predictors of intercourse frequency are sexual satisfaction and fears for foetal health. On the other hand, satisfaction with intimate relationship is determined by body satisfaction, intimacy and communication with partner, and frequency of sexual intercourse. Conclusion: Body dissatisfaction is predictor of low sexual satisfaction or low satisfaction with intimate relationship, but not of intercourse frequency. Different aspects of marital relationship are also relevant for sexuality.

sexuality; pregnancy; body image

nije evidentirano