The Relationship Between Attitudes Toward Sexuality During Pregnancy and Sexual Quality of Life.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between attitudes toward sexuality during pregnancy and sexual quality of life.

METHODS

This descriptive and correlational study included 433 pregnant women who either visited the non-stress test unit of a public hospital between October 2021 and March 2022 or participated online via Google Forms, email, and WhatsApp between June and July 2022. Data were collected using 3 tools: the Pregnant Women's Introductory Information Form, the Sexual Quality of Life-Female Scale, and the Attitude Toward Sexuality During Pregnancy Scale.

RESULTS

Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that employment status, income level, receiving information about sexual life during pregnancy, satisfaction with sexual life before pregnancy, and satisfaction with sexual life during pregnancy significantly influenced sexual quality of life scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women who hold positive beliefs and values about sexuality during pregnancy, experience less anxiety related to sexual activity, and who approve of sexuality during pregnancy tend to have higher sexual quality of life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Understanding the perceptions and concerns that contribute to negative attitudes toward sexuality during pregnancy, and providing individualized, evidence-based counseling can support the sexual well-being of pregnant women and their partners.