Factors Affecting the Sexual Function of Pregnant Women

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine whether maternal attitude toward sex during pregnancy and health-related quality of life could influence sexual function of pregnant women. METHODS: In this study, 138 second and third trimester pregnant women completed self-report questionnaires during their visits to women's hospitals or community health centers to assess their general characteristics, attitude toward sex during pregnancy (PIES-M), health-related quality of life (EQ-5D), and sexual function (FSFI-6K). Multiple regression analysis was performed to test the research model with SPSS version 23. RESULTS: Pregnant women who had discontinued their sexual life after recognizing their pregnancy accounted for 27.5% of women questioned. The average sexual function score of pregnant women was higher in the second trimester than the third trimester. Attitude toward sex during pregnancy (β=−.38, p< .001), maintaining sexual life (β=.20, p=.028), health-related quality of life (β=.18, p=.030), and adverse symptoms during sex (β=.18, p=.042) were determinants of sexual function during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Nurses in antenatal care units need to help pregnant women maintain a positive attitude toward sexual activity during pregnancy and manage their health-related quality of life to maintain their sexual life during pregnancy.

Keywords

• pregnancy
• sexual behavior
• attitude
• health