Sexual activity during pregnancy and after childbirth: results from the Sexual Preferences Questionnaire

The sexual relations of expectant and young parents have been researched relatively often, but most studies are restricted to female participants, samples from the USA, a short postpartum period and a reductionist view of sexuality as equivalent to intercourse. The aim of this study is to gain more knowledge about sexual activity of German couples with regard to non-genital tenderness, French kissing, breast stimulation, manual-genital stimulation, cunnilingus, fellatio, vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse and masturbation during pregnancy and the first 6 months postpartum. As part of a larger longitudinal study, 60 women and men (30 couples) answered a newly developed Sexual Preferences Questionnaire (SPQ) which assesses sexual activity and enjoyment. The frequency of most heterosexual activities declined during pregnancy, reached almost zero in the first 3 months postpartum, and then began to increase; male masturbation remained relatively constant. Agreement between the two members of each couple was assessed and SPQ data were validated with other questionnaire data and interview data. The results are discussed with regard to limitations of the sample. Future research should broaden the range of questions investigated, the range of research methods applied (questionnaires and interviews) and the range of persons researched (both partners).