Highlights from literature.

Abstract

Perinatal sexual education is linked with couples’ sexual well-being in pregnancy and the postpartum Sexual wellbeing in pregnancy and the postpartum period is an important but often poorly addressed area of discussion. Over 88% of couples will describe problems with sexual wellbeing yet less than 30% report receiving any information regarding this. In this study 102 couples in pregnancy and another 102 in the postpartum period were questioned regarding their sexual wellbeing. It enquired into the amount of perinatal sexual health information individuals receive/access; gaps between desired and received information; barriers to accessing information; and links between the quantity of information received/accessed and sexual wellbeing outcomes. The study concluded that despite a desire for information little to none was provided. When provided at any gestation it resulted in improved sexual wellbeing. This study highlights a significant gap in antenatal counselling by health professionals and importantly a desire for this education by couples.