Abstract
Pregnancy and the time after childbirth are processes characterized by intensive biological, psychological, and social changes. These changes have direct and indirect, conscious and unconscious effects on the woman's sexuality. The individual response to these effects—the integration and coping with the changes—may lead to a broadening and deepening of the individual's sexual life or it may lead to sexual problems, dysfunction, and difficulties. These sexual problems may then have a mid- and long-term negative impact on a woman's physical and mental health and on her relationships and family development. Empirical research seems to indicate that pregnancy and the time after childbirth are critical for the beginning or the exacerbation of preexisting sexual difficulties. In particular, the differences in sexual desire between the partners are critical. It is therefore important to combine antenatal and postnatal care with sexual health care. This includes screening, detection, and assessment of sexual problems during obstetrical consultations and sexual counseling for women and their partners.
