Sexual Myths During Pregnancy and Affecting Factors

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sexual myths during pregnancy are significant social constructs based on misinformation and beliefs, shaping individuals' perceptions of this period. Investigating these myths is crucial for promoting accurate knowledge about sexuality during pregnancy and improving healthcare services. Objective: In this study, we aimed to examine sexual myths during pregnancy and the factors that influence them. Method: The study was descriptive and cross-sectional. Snowball sampling method was used and 431 pregnant women who completed the online questionnaires were included in the study. Data were collected using a personal information form and the Scale of Attitudes and Beliefs about Sexuality during Pregnancy. Independent samples t-test, ANOVA test, and regression analysis were used for data analysis. Results: The mean score of the Attitudes and Beliefs Scale about Sexuality During Pregnancy (ABSSP) was 61.64 (SD 15.83). It was found that there is a significant difference in the number of pregnancies, number of children, educational status, spouse's educational status, presence of a risky condition in the fetus, planned and voluntary pregnancy, receiving sexual health education, continuing sexuality during pregnancy, comfortable talking about sexuality with spouse, and marriage type variables between the mean score ABSSP scale (p<0.05). Conclusion: Health professionals should provide opportunities for couples to discuss sexuality in pregnancy and to express their attitudes about sexuality before pregnancy and during pregnancy follow-up. The risk factors identified in this study will contribute to the structuring of educational content and the literature. Keyswords: Pregnancy, Sexuality, Myths, Attitudes.