Sexuality and pregnancy. A prospective study.

The normative changes in various sexual variables in pregnancy remain controversial. Much of the data available have been derived from retrospective and subjective, prospective investigations. The present prospective study indicated decreases in sexual enjoyment, coital frequency and orgasm as pregnancy progressed. A midtrimester increase in sexual desire preceding a progressive decrease was evident. Overall sexual satisfaction was correlated with feeling happy about being pregnant, feeling more attractive in late pregnancy than before pregnancy and experiencing orgasm. Anticipatory guidance and informed counsel regarding sexual changes in pregnancy should be provided to help pregnant patients and their husbands adapt to the pregnancy and enhance their marital bonds.