Examination of the change in sexual functions and anxiety as the pregnancy progresses and the effect of nulliparity on this change

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to examine the sexual functions and anxiety levels of the same pregnant women during the three periods of pregnancy, and to observe how they change between trimesters and also the effect of nulliparity on these changes. METHODS: This prospective clinical study was conducted between 2019 and 2021 in the University Hospital. Healthy, heterosexual pregnant women were included in this study and were consecutively interviewed regarding their anxiety levels and sexual function in the three trimesters of pregnancy. Participants in the study filled out two questionnaires, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) form and the beck anxiety inventory (BAI). All data were analyzed using SPSS 21 statistical software. RESULTS: There were a total of 35 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and completed the questionnaire forms in the three trimesters of pregnancy. Nineteen of the study group were nulliparous (54.3%). FSFI scores were found to be below the cutoff value required to diagnose sexual dysfunction in all three trimesters. The anxiety scores were found to be statistically significantly compatible with mild anxiety in all three periods. In the variance analysis of the survey scores over the three periods, a statistical significance was found for both the FSFI scores and the BAI scores. It was observed that nulliparity had no effect on the change between periods. CONCLUSION: Sexual functions decrease and anxiety increases as we approach the 3(rd) trimester of pregnancy. There was no significant effect of the parity on the significant change in sexual functions and anxiety between trimesters.