A GUIDE TO HEALTHY PREGNANCY MANAGING AILMENTS AND FINDING SOLUTIONS

A_Guide_to_Healthy_Pregnancy

INTIMACY AND PREGNANCY: WHAT TO EXPECT

Ayşe Betül Albayrak Denizli

Zeynep Kamı̇l Women and Chı̇ldren Dı̇ seases Tranı̇ng and Research Hospital, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, İstanbul, Türkiye

Albayrak Denizli AB. Intimacy and Pregnancy: What to Expect. Çetin A, ed. A Guide to Healthy Pregnancy: Managing Ailments and Finding Solutions. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.187-193.

ABSTRACT

Pregnancy is a transformative period that entails significant physiological and psychological changes, many of which influence sexual life. Understanding how sexuality is affected during pregnancy is crucial for physicians to provide effective counseling to expectant mothers and couples. This section aims to examine the effects of physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes during pregnancy on sexual function and libido, separately for each trimester, while also addressing the safety of sexual intercourse during pregnancy, its impact on preterm labor, and conditions in which sexual intercourse is contraindicated, such as placenta previa or premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Concerns about body image, fear of harming the baby, and anxieties about childbirth can lead to a decrease in sexual desire. Additionally, cultural beliefs and misinformation about the safety of sexual activity can negatively affect sexual life. The literature conflicting information regarding the effects of sexual activity on pregnancy and labor. Therefore, it is increasingly important to thoroughly examine this information from all perspectives and provide appropriate counseling.

Healthcare professionals can guide couples in maintaining a satisfying and safe sexual relationship during pregnancy by encouraging open communication and correcting misconceptions. This section emphasizes the importance of individualized counseling and proposes strategies for managing sexual issues to support the well-being of expectant mothers and couples. It aims to approach pregnancy from a multidimensional perspective, providing guidance for healthcare professionals and supporting couples in maintaining a healthy sexual life.

Keywords: Sexuality; Sexual behavior; Pregnancy; Libido; Counseling

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