Sexuality during pregnancy in Pakistani women.

OBJECTIVE We investigated the patterns of sexual activity during pregnancy and explored all beliefs related to coitus during pregnancy in women with the objective of promoting awareness and assisting health care providers in understanding and dispelling fears/misconceptions prevalent in our culture. METHODS A cross-sectional, KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) study was conducted using questionnaires to interview 150 healthy pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) and Lady Dufferin Hospital, both located in Karachi, Pakistani. Data was analysed using Epi Info 6 statistical package. RESULTS The mean frequency of intercourse during pregnancy (1.6 times/week) was less than before pregnancy (3.5 times/week). Husbands were the main initiators of sexual activity (44%) while the wives only rarely did so (0.7%). Some (13.3%) women felt it served to keep husbands around. Coitus during pregnancy was gratifying in 64.7% and painful in 37.3% of respondents. Most (45.4%) believed coitus was harmful for the foetus. Others (28.7%) thought it did not make any difference whereas 4.7% believed that it made a difference if the foetus was female by gender. 22.7% women believed that coitus during pregnancy caused abortions early in pregnancy and 6.7% that it induced pre-term labour. 26% did not know the means by which the harmful effects were produced but still maintained their beliefs. Some (10.7%) thought it could actually help widen the birth canal and facilitate labour. Majority (85.3%) believed that frequency should be lowered during pregnancy, 10% thought that it should be continued as before and 4% that it should be stopped completely. CONCLUSION This study suggests a mixed attitude towards sexuality in pregnancy with a tilt towards the belief that it is harmful and should therefore be decreased during pregnancy, specially during the last trimester. It is the responsibility of health care providers to dispel fears and clarify any misconceptions regarding such matters.