In a recent study,[1] Dr. David Allsop and colleagues investigated factors influencing sexual satisfaction among couples during pregnancy, such as physiological (e.g., physical discomfort,[2] hormonal changes, sleep quality), psychological (e.g., anxiety, depressive symptoms, self-esteem), and social (e.g., relationship quality, support from friends and family, societal expectations) factors. Merely focusing on physiological factors is not enough to fully grasp or address the complexity of the issue. In fact, Allsop’s study revealed the complex and multifaceted nature of sexual satisfaction during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of considering emotional and relational dynamics between spouses. By addressing a diverse range of influences, we can better support couples in experiencing enriching sexual relationships as they navigate through this transformative phase of life!
Understanding the shared experiences of pregnant women and their partners can offer valuable insights into the challenges and dynamics couples face during pregnancy. These insights can lead to greater emotional and physical satisfaction for both partners.[3] Maintaining a satisfying sexual relationship during pregnancy can be difficult.[4] This is unsurprising given the many challenges pregnant women encounter, such as nausea and fatigue[5] and fears of harming the fetus during sex,[6] even though sex is generally safe during pregnancy.[7] Biological factors related to pregnancy, such as fatigue,[8] can negatively impact women’s sexual function, while psychological factors like depression during the transition to parenthood can further influence sexual satisfaction. Additionally, the social dynamics within the couple’s relationship play a significant role. Nonetheless, some couples experience positive sexual satisfaction during this time.[9] This highlights the importance of addressing the factors that contribute to different levels of sexual satisfaction. By overcoming these challenges and fears, couples can foster a more fulfilling sexual experience[10] and improve the quality of their relationship during pregnancy. It is possible, and it works! Couples who actively collaborate to nurture mutual satisfaction typically exhibit higher sexual satisfaction across various dimensions, including frequency, creativity, and emotional connection.
Takeaways:
Differences in sexual satisfaction do exist for spouses during pregnancy.
Research[11] indicates that even after adjusting for biologically related factors brought on by pregnancy, there are individual differences in sexual satisfaction between spouses. By acknowledging this diversity, professionals can tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of each couple, ultimately enhancing their sexual satisfaction during pregnancy. This may involve providing resources and interventions to address not only physical discomfort and health issues but also emotional health, communication skills, and relationship dynamics.
Depressive symptoms and sexual satisfaction.
The link between wives’ depressive symptoms and sexual satisfaction between spouses during pregnancy was apparent in Allsop’s study. This highlights the importance of addressing psychological health issues during pregnancy, as untreated depressive symptoms can negatively impact sexual satisfaction. Healthcare professionals should prioritize using effective tools to screen for depression and anxiety symptoms and provide necessary support and treatment throughout the pregnancy. This may lead to better mental health outcomes and increased sexual satisfaction between spouses.
Communication is key.
Recognizing the mutual influence and interdependence between partners during pregnancy is essential. Couples who engage in open communication, mutual support, and shared decision-making are more likely to cope with the challenges of pregnancy and maintain positive sexual satisfaction. Couples with high levels of sexual satisfaction often include various aspects of sexual activity, including creativity, frequency, initiation, and emotional connection. Therefore, interventions aimed at enhancing sexual satisfaction among pregnant couples should focus on strengthening relationship bonds and cultivating emotional connection.
References:
[1] Allsop, D. B., Leavitt, C. E., Yorgason, J. B., & Holmes, E. K. (2022). Variable sexual satisfaction in pregnancy: A latent profile analysis of pregnant wives and their husbands. The Journal of Sex Research, 59(2), 173–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2021.1970708
[2] Yangin, H. B., & Eroglu, K. (2011). Investigation of the sexual behavior of pregnant women residing in squatter neighborhoods in southwestern Turkey: A qualitative study. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 37(3), 190–205. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2011.564511
[3] Galovan, A. M., & Schramm, D. G. (2018). Strong relationality and ethical responsiveness: A framework and conceptual model for family science. Journal of Family Theory & Review, 10(1), 199–218. https://doi.org/10.1111/jftr.12238
[4] Jawed-Wessel, S., & Sevick, E. (2017). The impact of pregnancy and childbirth on sexual behaviors: A systematic review. Journal of Sex Research, 54(4–5), 411–423. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2016.1274715
[5] Yanikkerem, E., Goker, A., Ustgorul, S., & Karakus, A. (2016). Evaluation of sexual functions and marital adjustment of pregnant women in Turkey. International Journal of Impotence Research, 28(5), 176–183. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2016.26
[6] Babazadeh, R., Najmabadi, K. M., & Masomi, Z. (2013). Changes in sexual desire and activity during pregnancy among women in Shahroud, Iran. International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 120(1), 82–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.07.021
[7] Brown, H. L., & McDaniel, M. L. (2008). A review of the implications and impact of pregnancy on sexual function. Current Sexual Health Reports, 5(1), 51–55. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-008-0009-6
[8] Dawson, S. J., Vaillancourt-Morel, M. P., Pierce, M., & Rosen, N. O. (2020). Biopsychosocial predictors of trajectories of postpartum sexual function in first-time mothers. Health Psychology, 39(8), 700–710. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000861
[9] Leavitt, C. E., Leonhardt, N. D., Busby, D. M., & Clarke, R. W. (2021). When is enough enough? Orgasm’s curvilinear association with relational and sexual satisfaction. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 18(1), 167–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.10.002
[10] Dawson, S. J., Vaillancourt-Morel, M. P., Pierce, M., & Rosen, N. O. (2020). Biopsychosocial predictors of trajectories of postpartum sexual function in first-time mothers. Health Psychology, 39(8), 700–710. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0000861
[11] Allsop, D. B., Leavitt, C. E., Yorgason, J. B., & Holmes, E. K. (2022). Variable sexual satisfaction in pregnancy: A latent profile analysis of pregnant wives and their husbands. The Journal of Sex Research, 59(2), 173–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2021.1970708