'Yummy Mummies': exploring sexuality in the antenatal and postnatal period

Pract Midwife. 2016 Jun;19(6):24-6.

Abstract

Sexuality is often bound together with sexual function in contemporary sexual health literature; however, sexuality is a multidimensional phenomenon that has a broader historical concept and cultural meaning. In addition to a significant global decline in sexual function, women may experience decline in emotional satisfaction and physical pleasure up to 4.5 years after giving birth. Midwives have an important role in raising conversations about sexuality on a regular basis during antenatal visits, and informing couples about the decline of libido, desire and orgasm, which may lead to reduction in sexual intercourse frequency, particularly in the last trimester and puerperium.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Midwifery
  • Postpartum Period*
  • Pregnancy
  • Sexuality*