Maternal Sexuality during Pregnancy and after Childbirth in Kuwait

Abstract

Although pregnancy had an adverse effect on sexuality, many women improved at the mid-trimester and early postpartum period. Sociocultural attitudes and pre-pregnancy sexuality level are important determinants. A study of sexual adjustment of 160 pregnant Muslim women of Kuwait revealed that pregnant women showed a decline in sexual activity soon after the diagnosis of pregnancy that continued throughout the whole pregnancy with a second trimester and early third trimester increase in sexuality, but continued to be below the pre-pregnancy base line. Resumption of sexual activities was not problematic for many of our patients at eight or twelve weeks postpartum, except for those with marital disharmony. For some women, pregnancy and labor improved their sexuality in general. But the majority of our subjects had a consistent pattern of sexuality during pregnancy that reflects their pre-pregnancy level of sexuality. This study shows clearly the important influence of the father-to-be on the sexuality of his wife. Sociocultural taboos influence sexual adjustment during pregnancy, as this highly important topic is always ignored during discussion between patients and doctors at ante- and post-natal clinics. It is recommended for obstetricians to counsel patients about sexual activity, keeping in mind the prevailing sociocultural attitudes.