SUMMARY :
Studies concerning sexuality during pregnancy are focused on coital activity
of (expectant) mothers. Information about fathers are rare. The aim of this
study is to determine the evolution of male coïtal and non coital activity
during pregnancy.
The methodology used is a self-questionnairy given to mothers and fathers during
the first post partum week. This work conducted at the University Women Hospital
of Nancy (France) (Maternité Régionale de Nancy) shows that the
sexual desire and pleasure slowly decreases by men in the first two trimesters
of the pregnancy. It decreases then sharply in the last three months of pregnancy.
However, the non sexual relationship of the couple remains stable. The work
stresses the need for medical staff not to elude pregnancy psychosexual problems
of the couple and of men because they may lead to an unhappy relationship between
parents. Medical advice about sexuality and it’s fluctuation during this
phase of life should be aimed at females and males. Men have difficulties to
find their stability between their sexual drive and the fear of harming the
baby.