Investigating the Relationship Between Women's Attitude Toward Motherhood and Sexual Desire in Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Objective: Pregnancy is one of the most important, influential, and critical periods in the lives of women and families. Women's attitudes toward pregnancy and motherhood can greatly impact how they face challenges during pregnancy. Many transformations occur in women's sexual lives during this period. Previous studies have reported conflicting results regarding sexual desire during pregnancy and various factors that affect women's attitudes toward motherhood. Therefore, we decided to investigate the relationship between these factors.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study with descriptive and analytical objectives was conducted on 124 pregnant women referred to comprehensive health service centers. The research instruments included the Socio-Demographic and Obstetric Questionnaire, the Scale of Attitudes toward Motherhood and Pregnancy, and the Hulbert Sexual Desire Questionnaire.

Results: This study revealed a direct and significant relationship between the attitude toward the role of the mother and sexual desire in pregnant women (M1: 17.4±57.06, M2: 5.31±32.5, r=0.473; p<0.001). Also, the results showed that the sexual desire of pregnant women is average (32.5±5.31), and the attitude toward the role of the mother is low (57.06±17.4).

Conclusion: The results of the study showed that any improvement in attitudes toward motherhood and pregnancy enhanced sexual desire. It seems necessary to screen women and men in terms of attitudes toward motherhood and sexual health and factors affecting it during pregnancy.