Sexuality in Nigerian pregnant women: perceptions and practice.

The sexual behaviour and beliefs of 440 pregnant women from South-eastern Nigeria were investigated. The mean frequency of sexual intercourse during pregnancy (1.5 times per week) was less than that before pregnancy (2.3 times per week). The husband was the main initiator of sexual activity (41.6%), while the wife only rarely did so (2.7%). 44.3% of the respondents believed that sexual intercourse during pregnancy widens the vagina and facilitates labour; 34.8% that it improves fetal well-being; 30.2% that it caused abortion in early pregnancy while 21.1% had no knowledge of any repercussions of sexual intercourse in pregnancy. Coitus during pregnancy was always painful in 22.7% of the respondents; was always gratifying in 46.1%; was functional in 49.3% and helped to keep the husband around, also in 49.3% of the respondents. The majority of the respondents (83.4%) considered that coitus should not be stopped during pregnancy. Whereas 19.3% of the respondents believed that sexual frequency should be increased during pregnancy, 73.9% considered otherwise, and 63.6% actually felt it should be reduced. Findings from this study suggest a 'mixed-feeling' effect with a tilt towards a positive attitude to sexuality in pregnancy. Restriction should not be imposed on sexual activity during a normal pregnancy to enhance marital harmony.