You have full access to this open access chapter. In a healthy pregnancy, the best response to sexual insecurity is reassurance and telling the couple that they can continue to be sexually active. When the situation gets complicated, things can be different. This chapter elaborates on the sexual risks in conditions such as premature birth, shortened cervix, placental dysfunction, and multiple gestation. It will delineate the relationship between various sexual activities and their potential influence on the uterus and the pregnancy.
Midwives and HCPs must be aware of the cultural taboos between the woman and the couple regarding sexuality and pregnancy. It is a common finding in research that patients have many questions about sex but do not ask them.
This chapter provides the background information needed to do just that in high-risk and complicated pregnancies. You have full access to this open access chapter, Download chapter PDF. Complications during pregnancy tend to create much insecurity, also regarding sexuality. At the same time, we know that sexuality has many functions other than conception.
So, in complicated and high-risk pregnancies, HCPs have to balance carefully with their restrictions and recommendations between, on the one hand, damage to the pregnancy, mother or baby and, on the other hand, damage to the sexual health of the woman, her partner, and the relationship.
After that, we will pay attention to the various aspects of sexual behaviour with their potential influence on the health of pregnancy, woman, or baby.
