Seksualność kobiet w okresie perinatalnym
Women’s sexuality in the perinatal period

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: Pregnancy and childbirth are integral part of women’s sexual life. Sexual behavior is significantly influenced by both changes occurring during consecutive pregnancy trimesters and lactation period. This article is an attempt made by authors to characterize sexual life of women during pregnancy and postpartum lactation period. Material and methods: A survey of 100 pregnant women (hospitalized in Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit of the University Hospital, 39–40 week of pregnancy, with no complications developed during pregnancy) and 100 breast-feeding mothers up to 12 months post childbirth was carried out using original questionnaire. Results: The aim of the study was analysis of sexual behaviours among pregnant women. Coital frequency and level of sexual satisfaction during separate trimesters were compared. The subject of the analysis were the following: influence of the living conditions on intimate relations, sexual behaviours in individual pregnancy trimesters considering intercourse frequency, libido, orgasms, specific sensations during intercourse as well as erotic fantasies. Pregnant women were also questioned about sexual positions preferred during intercourse, own observations regarding recurrence of fertility postpartum and favoured methods of contraception implemented. Women’s own attractiveness self-assessment and fears making impact on the course of sexual encounters were also taken into account. Couple’s feedback on frequency of sexual intercourse, sexual satisfaction and potential interfering factors (postpartum social family status, postpartum and lactational complaints) supplied valuable data. Quality of education delivered by Health Professionals, regarding intimate relations during postpartum and contraception options was evaluated. Conclusions: Sexual drive and behaviour in pregnant women are under constant fluctuation depending on period and course of the pregnancy. Differences in separate pregnancy trimesters regarding intercourse frequency, libido and orgasms with distinct limitation of mentioned before in the third trimester were observed. With the progress of the pregnancy the fear of sexual intercourse and quantity of sexual fantasies is increasing. Most common concerns that were reasons for surveyed women to abstain from sexual activity during pregnancy concentrated over reproductive tract hemorrhage and provoking of either abortion or premature delivery. During breast-feeding period reduction of sexual needs and intercourse frequency results. Attributed factors modifying sexual life include: change of lifestyle related to natural feeding, time-consuming extensive care of newborn, fear of another pregnancy and typical postpartum complaints. Great majority of women during postpartum and lactation period do not make observation regarding symptoms of recurring fertility. Contraception methods favoured during this time comprise condoms and coitus interruptus. Most of the lactating women do not obtain required education on sex life and contraception from Health Professional.

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