Sexuality during pregnancy: what is important for sexual satisfaction in expectant fathers?

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine changes in some aspects of sexuality (sexual desire, frequency, and satisfaction) in expecting fathers and to determine predictors of sexual satisfaction. Men whose partners were in the third trimester of pregnancy participated in the study (N = 105). Findings demonstrate that a majority of men experienced a decrease in the frequency of sexual activity during their partner's pregnancy. However, decrease in sexual desire was experienced by less than a third of the participants. Even though there was a decrease in sexual satisfaction in almost half of the men, participants generally perceived their sexual satisfaction as quite high. Aspects of the relationship with one's partner were shown to be the most important determinant of sexual satisfaction, and closeness with one's partner to be especially important. Most men (80%) reported fear of hurting the fetus during intercourse as one of the main reasons that prevented intercourse during pregnancy. However, this specific fear was not a significant determinant of sexual satisfaction. Results are discussed in light of previous findings examining sexuality among expecting fathers as well as among men in general.

Limited role of body satisfaction and body image self-consciousness in sexual frequency and satisfaction in pregnant women.

This cross-sectional study examined the role of maternal body image and body image self-consciousness in sexual satisfaction and intercourse frequency during pregnancy when controlling for satisfaction with partnership. Pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy (N = 150) participated in the study. Body image was measured by the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS) and Body Image Self-Consciousness Scale (BISC), while relationship satisfaction was measured by different subscales of the Perceived Quality of Marital Relationship (PQMR) Scale. Sexual satisfaction was also measured by one of the subscales of the PQMR (Intimate Relationship). The sexual behavior questionnaire comprised questions about frequency of sexual intercourse, desire, and other aspects of sexual functioning as well as the reasons that might prevent women from having intercourse during pregnancy. Findings suggested that satisfaction with body image and body image self-consciousness were related to sexual satisfaction. Nevertheless, other aspects of partnership, such as communication, appeared to be much more important predictors of sexual satisfaction than body image variables. The best predictor of sexual frequency was fear that intercourse might harm the fetus. Implications for education about sexuality issues in pregnancy are discussed.