Objective:

Investigate the general knowledge of our population regarding potential complications arising from sexual intercourse during pregnancy, the impact of pregnancy on the couple’s sexuality, the factors influencing this impact, and the association between sexuality and obstetric outcomes.

Study design:

Observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study

Population and methods:

The study comprised puerperal women receiving care at Unidade Local de Saude do Alto Minho. We administered a questionnaire to puerperal women, and approximately 6 months after childbirth, we conducted a follow-up telephone questionnaire.

Results:

The research findings demonstrated that nearly half (44%) of participants reported that sexual desire remained unchanged during the first trimester, while a majority experienced changes in sexual desire during the second (58%) and third (66%) trimesters. Interestingly, in 64% of cases, it was the partner who displayed a greater initiative for sexual intercourse. As pregnancy progressed, many women experienced reductions in sexual activity, vaginal intercourse, and sexual desire. Moreover, the frequency of sexual intercourse during pregnancy appeared to influence obstetric outcomes, including the type and term of delivery.

Conclusions:

Our study provides valuable insights into the intricacies surrounding sexuality during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Sexual activity during pregnancy might have implications for the mode and timing of delivery.

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