Sexual Activity in the Last Two Weeks of Pregnancy and Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Beyond 28 Weeks Gestation

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual activity, an important aspect of obstetrics and gynaecology and sensitive topic requires a positive respectful approach. It has been widely studied, except in Africa, to determine whether there are any effects of sexual intercourse during pregnancy, on labour and delivery outcomes. Objectives: To find out effects of sexual activity on pregnancy outcomes and socio demographic influences. Study design: This study is a comparative cross-sectional study, in which 180 women who engage in coitus during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy were compared to 180 women who do not, and pregnancy outcomes determined. Study area and population: The study was carried out at the Kenyatta National Hospital in the postnatal wards. Data collection and analysis: Data was collected both from interviews and medical records of patients. The analysis was undertaken using SPSS version 18 in which Univariate descriptive analysis and bivariate analysis was carried out. Socio –demographic characteristics of the participants formed the independent variables. Results: Women aged 30 and were most likely to engage in intercourse in the final weeks of pregnancy compared to younger women: 20-24 years (OR = 3.03, p = 0.043), 30 or more years (OR 3.73, p = 0.016). Mothers who had more than one living child were more likely to report engaging in sexual intercourse (2 children; OR = 2.07, and 3 or more children 2.71). Women who reported sexual intercourse in the last two weeks of pregnancy were more likely to deliver their babies before the expected date of delivery OR 1.67 (p 0.028). The caesarean section rate in mothers who had reported sexual activity prior to delivery was 24.4% compared to 38.3%, OR = 0.52, (p = 0.005). Discussion: This study found that women over 30 years were three times more likely to engage in sexual intercourse than their younger counterparts.64.4% of women who reported sexual activity in the last two weeks of pregnancy went into labour before their expected date of delivery compared with 50% of those with no sexual contact. Complications in those who reported sexual activity were low 2.2% for bleeding, and 5.7% for drainage of liquor and 20% for vaginal discharge in pregnancy. The number of live children, influenced whether the respondent had sexual intercourse. Education and occupation did not influence the sexual activities of women in the last two weeks of pregnancy. Marital status and living arrangement were found to be determinants of sexual activity in pregnancy. There were no significant differences in length of the various stages of labour. Conclusion: Sexual activity in the last two weeks of pregnancy is more likely to occur in those older than 30 years who have 2 or more live children. In terms of outcomes, those who engage in intercourse are more likely to go into labour before the expected date of delivery and may also have a reduced chance of requiring caesarean section delivery. Neonatal outcomes showed no significant difference in those who engage in sexual activity compared to those who do not. The low occurrence of adverse effects found in this study corresponds with the recommendation that sexual activity in pregnancy should not be discouraged in low risk pregnancies.