Objectives: To evaluate women's sexual activities and to describe their attitudes and information sources regarding sexual activity during pregnancy.
Method: Pregnant women were interviewed with a structured questionnaire for three time periods. Main outcome measures were frequency of coitus, desire, arousal, orgasm and sexual satisfaction. Comparisons were made between the trimesters of pregnancy.
Results: All main outcome measures significantly decreased throughout pregnancy (p < 0.001). Sexual position changed significantly with decrease in the use of the "man on top" position. Concerns regarding sexual activity leading to abortion decreased as the pregnancy progressed. Only 22% of pregnant women received information about sexual activity in pregnancy from their doctors.
Conclusion: Sexuality and sexual activity were reduced significantly throughout pregnancy. Giving information on this issue from doctors to pregnant women was still low. Educational and counseling program on sexual activity during pregnancy should be disseminated both to women and doctors.