Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Changes in sexual experiences and relationship quality during pregnancy
Dafna M Sagiv-Reiss1, Gurit E Birnbaum, Marilyn P Safir
1Gender Studies, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
Abstract:
The present research examined changes in sexuality and relationship quality during pregnancy. In three studies, participants completed self-report scales of sex-related emotions, thoughts, motives, and experiences, as well as relationship quality. Study 1 (N = 361) examined the differences between pregnant and non-pregnant women in sexual and relational experiences. Study 2 (N = 25) monitored women's sexuality and relationship quality throughout the three trimesters of pregnancy. Study 3 examined gender differences in changes in sexual and relational experiences during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy among 31 cohabiting couples. The findings revealed that pregnant women were more sexually motivated by relational concerns than both their partners and non-pregnant women. Additionally, the results pointed to the involvement of two corresponding processes: Sexual enjoyment declined as pregnancy progressed, whereas relational satisfaction was relatively unchanged during pregnancy. These findings suggest that the progress of pregnancy may independently affect sexuality and relational quality.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship Growth
Development of the Oral Microbiota
Teratogenicity
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Spermatogenesis
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...

