Women's sexuality during pregnancy

Pregnancy induces significant physiological and anatomical changes in a woman's body, which inevitably impact the sexual life of couples, leading to fluctuations in levels of desire and sexual satisfaction for both women and their partners. Sexual desire in pregnant women significantly decreases during the first trimester, increases during the second trimester, and declines again during the third trimester. Women report the lowest sexual desire during the first trimester, while their partners experience the lowest levels during the third trimester. Many couples completely abstain from sexual activity during the third trimester due to concerns about the baby's health and the potential risk of preterm labor. The main risks associated with sexual activity during pregnancy include the possibility of inducing preterm labor, pelvic inflammatory disease, hemorrhage, and (rarely) air embolism. Studies on the impact of sexual activity during pregnancy on preterm labor induction are contradictory, and evidence regarding other complications remains limited. Various sexual problems, primarily related to pain during intercourse and difficulties in achieving orgasm, appear to be common in pregnant and postpartum women. During the postpartum period, these issues may affect up to 90% of women, with pain during intercourse being the most frequently reported problem. Numerous studies have shown that approximately 20% of pregnant women experience mental health disorders, which also contribute to sexual problems within this group. These findings highlight the need for further research and educational support for expecting couples, which could improve their sexual well-being during pregnancy and after childbirth.