Simetinger Gabrijela

(159) PROPERLY DEALING WITH SEXUALITY/INTIMACY IN HIGH-RISK PREGNANCIES

  • Urology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
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Abstract Objectives In complicated and high-risk pregnancies, health care professionals (HCPs) must carefully balance between sexual restrictions (avoiding damage to pregnancy, mother or baby) and recommendations to continue sexuality and intimacy (aiming at the sexual health of the couple). Methods In the scarce literature on this area geared to non-sexual medicine professionals, we investigated how much proactive attention is paid to sexuality and intimacy in complicated and high-risk pregnancies. We then developed detailed recommendations related to specific pregnancy pathologies. That process also yielded valuable general recommendations. Results Regarding complicated and high-risk pregnancies, there is minimal information for midwifery and obstetric HCPs that deals with sexuality and intimacy. The little available literature mainly addresses the dangerous aspects without paying attention to the variety of sexual behaviour. Besides, it focuses on restrictions without recommending what is allowed. We then tried to separate the various elements of sexuality with their potential beneficial and adverse effects on pregnancy, baby or mother and apply that knowledge to each of the common pregnancy pathologies: threatening miscarriage, early bleeding, hyperemesis, short cervix, painful contractions, premature rupture of membranes, preterm labour, placenta previa, uterine scars, urinary tract infection, vaginal infection, hypertension, poor fetal growth, and twin pregnancy. Conclusions When dealing with threatening pregnancy complications, it is vital to proactively address the not-asked questions on sexuality and intimacy, be very explicit and clear about what is better to renounce, and always add what is sexually allowed or recommended to consider. Ref: Simetinger G, Gianotten WL. Sexual aspects of high-risk and complicated pregnancy. In Geuens S, Mivšek AP, Gianotten WL (eds). Springer Nature OA 2023. Conflicts of Interest No conflict of interest.

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